When did Prohibition begin and end in the United States?

The period of Prohibition in the United States officially began on January 17, 1920, and ended on December 5, 1933. This timeframe was established by the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the Volstead Act, which defined the legal basis for the prohibition of alcoholic beverages.

The correct choice reflects this historical fact, establishing a clear understanding of the timeline. Prohibition aimed to reduce crime and corruption, improve health, and increase productivity, but it ultimately led to a myriad of unforeseen consequences, including the rise of illegal speakeasies and bootlegging operations.

The other choices do not accurately capture the start and end dates of Prohibition, as they either include years outside the period in question or do not specify the correct years in which the amendment was ratified and subsequently repealed. Understanding the timeline of Prohibition is crucial for grasping its impact on American society and the development of alcohol laws in the country.