39th Annual Student Research Conference
Prohibition in St. Louis from the German American Perspective
John M. Peretz♦
Dr. Stephanie Russell, Faculty Mentor
At the onset of the twentieth century, St. Louis, Missouri, was one of the largest centers for brewing beer and manufacturing alcohol in the United States. By the end of World War I and the rise of Prohibition in 1918-19, this industry and those who depended on it experienced a complete reversal of fortune. Of these groups, the city's German Americans were among the most prominent.Through an analysis of politics, economics, and social life, it becomes evident that past historical works have made inaccurate arguments concerning the standing of this immigrant group during the Prohibition era. In actuality, there was a significant continuity in the political standing of German immigrants, while economically and socially, they were ruined.
Keywords: Prohibition, Immigrants, German Americans, Social History, St. Louis
Topic(s):History Senior Seminar
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA