For many in the U.S. Congress and for President Woodrow Wilson (1856 - 1924) in particular, the prohibition of alcohol in the United States (passed by Congress on November 1, 1918) was simply viewed as an appropriate war-time measure guaranteed to maintain the productivity of an efficient working class.
However, with the First World War coming to a close, President Wilson saw little need in keeping the entire law as it was written, and he suggested allowing the sale and distribution of beer and wine. This article will inform you of the political will of the "dry" members of congress as well as the strength of the American clergy in 1919.
A VOGUE MAGAZINE article about Washington etiquette can be read here...
