Ep 1. A Nation of Drunkards

In the first episode of Ken Burns' documentary series "Prohibition," titled "A Nation of Drunkards," viewers are given a comprehensive overview of America's love affair with alcohol before the start of Prohibition. Narrated by veteran actor Peter Coyote, the episode combines archival footage, photographs, and expert commentary to trace the country's history of alcohol consumption from the earliest days of colonization through the growth of the temperance movement and the eventual decision to institute a nationwide ban on all alcoholic beverages.

The episode begins by examining the importance of alcohol to American culture, from the beer and cider consumed by the colonists to the whiskey and rum that fueled the burgeoning industrial economy of the 19th century. We see images of saloons and breweries, beer gardens, and distilleries, as well as photographs of the families who ran them and the patrons who frequented them. We learn about the heavy drinking habits of early Americans and the rise of organizations like the Washingtonian movement, which sought to combat the problem of alcoholism through a program of public confession and mutual support.

From there, the episode shifts to the story of the temperance movement, which gained momentum in the mid-19th century as middle-class reformers sought to combat the social ills associated with alcohol consumption. We hear from historians and scholars who explain how the movement was fueled by the growth of the women's suffrage movement, as well as by fears of the impact of alcohol on America's industrial workforce. We see images of temperance rallies and marches, as well as propaganda posters and political cartoons designed to sway public opinion.

The episode then explores the political battle over Prohibition, which raged for decades before the 18th Amendment was finally ratified in 1919. We learn about the various groups that opposed the ban on alcohol, including brewers, distillers, and saloon owners, as well as immigrant communities who believed that the right to drink was a fundamental part of their cultural identity. We also hear from Prohibition supporters, who argued that the ban was necessary to combat the social ills associated with alcoholism, including poverty, crime, and domestic violence.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to a cast of colorful characters from America's past, including the famous temperance lecturer Carrie Nation, who famously wielded an ax to destroy saloons and taverns, and politicians like William Jennings Bryan, who advocated for the ban on alcohol as a way to promote family values and protect the American way of life. We also hear from ordinary Americans who lived through the reign of Prohibition, including bootleggers, speakeasy owners, and federal agents tasked with enforcing the ban.

By the end of the episode, viewers will have gained a deep understanding of the cultural, political, and economic forces that shaped America's relationship with alcohol in the decades leading up to Prohibition. They will have been treated to a fascinating tour through the history of American drinking culture, complete with colorful characters, political intrigue, and plenty of moments to make them smile and cringe. And they will have been given a sense of the powerful forces that would shape the country's future as it sought to navigate the challenges of the modern age.