Dry Divide Teacher Guide The Dry Divide
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Grade 8: US History
Unit: The Roaring Twenties
Lesson Objective
Students will evaluate the social and political reasons for the passage of the 18th Amendment and analyze the causes of its failure, leading to the ratification of the 21st Amendment.
Key Vocabulary
Temperance: Social movement against alcohol.
Suffrage: The right to vote.
Repeal: To revoke or annul a law.
Speakeasy: Illegal hidden bar.
Moonshine: Illicitly distilled liquor.
Instructional Sequence
00-05m
The Hook: Visual Inquiry
Display photos of speakeasies and temperance rallies (Slide 2). Ask students: "Can the government stop people from doing something they enjoy just by passing a law?" Allow for a brief 2-minute brainstorm.
05-15m
Direct Instruction: Video Analysis
Watch the Prohibition section (5:33-6:58) of the "More Rights for Citizens" video.
Key Discussion Moment (6:27): Pause and ask, "The 18th is the only amendment ever repealed. What does this teach us about the amendment process and using the Constitution to legislate morality?"
15-40m
Guided Practice: Amendment Argument
Split the class into two teams: Temperance Union and Repeal Advocates.
Preparation (10m): Teams use the video context and provided worksheets to build their case.Presentations (15m): Each side selects 3-5 speakers to deliver 1-minute arguments. Rotate back and forth.
40-45m
Closure: Reflection Journal
Students complete the reflection prompt individually. This serves as an exit ticket to assess understanding of the unique nature of the 18th/21st Amendments.
Teaching Tips & Misconceptions
Common Misconception
Students often think the 18th Amendment made drinking alcohol illegal. Clarify that it only banned the manufacture, sale, and transport . Consumption itself was technically legal, though nearly impossible to do legally.
Facilitation Note
For the activity, encourage students to think about unintended consequences: rising crime, loss of tax revenue, and the "Noble Experiment" label given by Herbert Hoover.
Prohibition Experiment Slides The Great Experiment
The Rise and Fall of Prohibition
8th Grade US History
Amendments 18 & 21
A Legal Dilemma
"Can the government stop people from doing something they enjoy just by passing a law?"
Think & Discuss
What happens when a law is widely unpopular but part of the Constitution?
[Image: Temperance Rally]
[Image: Speakeasy Scene]
The Amendments
18th Amendment (1919)
"Prohibition"
Banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors.
21st Amendment (1933)
"Repeal"
Officially overturned the 18th Amendment, ending federal prohibition.
Key Themes
The Temperance Movement
Unintended Consequences
The Power of Repeal
Watch: Prohibition & Repeal
Focus on Timestamps: 5:33 - 6:58
Embedded media
"The 18th Amendment remains the only amendment ever to be repealed."
The Great Debate
Legislating Morality vs. Individual Liberty
Temperance Union
"Save the American family and improve public health."
Reduce domestic violence
Improve work productivity
Protect children
The 18th Amendment
Repeal Advocates
"End the crime wave and regain individual freedom."
Stop organized crime/gangs
Regain lost tax revenue
Personal choice and liberty
The 21st Amendment
Final Reflection
"Why is the 18th Amendment the only one that was ever repealed? What made it different from the others?"
Vote, Debate, and Participate.
Amendment Argument Activity Sheet Prohibition Argument Prep
Team: _________________
Name: ________________________________________________
Date: ____________________
The Challenge
Your team represents one side of the "Great Experiment." Using the video context and your knowledge of the era, prepare a one-minute persuasive speech . Your goal is to convince the American public that your amendment (the 18th or the 21st) is the right path for the country.
Temperance Union (Pro-18th)
OR
Repeal Advocates (Pro-21st)
1. Key Evidence & Motivations
Why is this change necessary? Think about crime, health, families, or individual rights mentioned in the video.
2. Addressing the Opposition
How will you respond to the other side's biggest concern (e.g., crime for the 18th, or public health for the 21st)?
3. The One-Minute Speech Outline
The Hook (Grab our attention):
The Core Argument (The "Why"):
The Call to Action (What should we do?):
Key terms to use: Morality, Smuggling, Speakeasy, Moonshine, Repeal, Ratification, Constitution.
Prohibition Reflection Journal Prompts The Roaring Reflection
Historical Journal Entry
Name: ______________________
Date: _______________________
Reflection Prompt
"The 18th Amendment is the only amendment that has ever been fully repealed. Why do you think this happened? What made the 'Prohibition Experiment' different from other constitutional amendments?"
Think about:
Enforcement challenges in everyday life.
Think about:
The rise of organized crime and safety.
Think about:
The role of the 21st Amendment.
