History of the US Drinking Age

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Below is a timeline of alcohol consumption in the United States ranging from the early colonies to today. This history has led to today's enforcement of the MDLA 21.

Early Colonies:

Our country tis of thee was founded on alcohol! On the Mayflower, the Puritans (or not so pure-itans) brought more beer than water on the Mayflower with 42 tons of beer and 10,000 gallons of wine as opposed to 14 tons of water. In the early colonies, religious services, court sessions, and public meetings were all hosted at the town tavern. While drinking was a norm at big events, informal pressures and religious teaching made the abuse of alcohol among colonist unacceptable.

16th Century:

In 1563, America made its own alcohol for the first time! Floridian Spaniards made the first wine in America. Fourteen years later, in 1587, the State's first beer was brewed in Virginia from Indian corn.

17th Century:

Alcohol further infiltrates American society. Hard cider was often used as a currency in the colonies. Also, before meeting the Europeans, most Native American tribes did not have alcohol. But now alcohol was penetrating their tribal lives.

18th Century:

The temperance movement begins! The first prohibition was in Georgian colonies led by General James Oglethorpe in 1733. In 1789, the public push for temperance began with the founding of the first American temperance society in Connecticut. Women, who had been abused or whose children had been neglected by alcoholic husbands, led many temperance groups.

WATCH John Green's Crash Course on Women in the temperance movement (start at 5:55 end at 8:05):

19th Century:

In 1820, the national per capita consumption rose to more than 5 gallons per person annually. Yet, as a result of increasing industrialization and the need for a reliable workforce, the late 19th century brought a change in attitudes. In 1852, Maine became the first dry state by prohibiting the sale and consumption of alcohol. In the 1880's, New York and Pennsylvania passed laws making it mandatory to teach students in public schools about the dangers of alcohol abuse.

1900-1933:

As alcohol abuse continued, the 20th century brought national prohibition. In 1920, the US government banned alcohol, manufacturing, sales, and consumption with the 18th Amendment to the Constitution. In the early days of Prohibition, the consumption of alcohol reduced by 30%. But illegal production of alcohol increased and was sold at underground establishments called "speakeasies." By 1925, 100,000 speakeasies were in New York City alone. After thirteen years, the prohibition officially failed. In 1933, the 18th Amendment was repealed by the 21st Amendment to the Constitution.

1933 - 1984:

Following the failure of prohibition and repeal of the 18th amendment many states set their own minimum drinking ages. Almost all of the states chose to set their MLDA to 21, feeling that, while alcohol should not be illegal, it was in their own best interest to keep it out of the hands of minors. During the 70s, however, the nation became more aware of the liberties of 18 year old citizens, allowing them the right to vote with the 26th amendment. This sentiment motivated most states to lower their MLDA to 18. After noticing a strong correlation between the new drinking age and an increase in traffic incidents states began raising their drinking ages back to 21. Eventually, congress motivated all states to raise their drinking ages to 21 by threatening to remove 10% of all highway funds.

Today:

In 2006, alcohol abuse accounted for over one million emergency room visits and almost three million doctor visits. Also in 2006, the cost of alcohol abuse to the US economy was almost $224 billion. Now, alcohol abuse accounts for around 80,000 deaths in the US per year. Every year, over 2 million years of potential life are lost because of heavy alcohol consumption in America.

References:

Hanson, David J. “Alcohol and Drinking History in the United States of America: A Chronology.” Alcohol Problems & Solutions, D. J. Hanson, 1997.

“The History of Drinking in America.” Axis Residential Treatment, Axis Residential Treatment, 2018.

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