The Eighteenth Amendment was ratified by the Minnesota Senate on January 16, 1919. The next day, the House of Representatives followed suit and thus began almost fifteen dismal years without real beer.

gleefully destroying booze. . .

During this period, many breweries were forced to close. Those that were able to remain open did so by producing near-beer, malt syrup, candy, soft drinks, bottled water, and anything else that was remotely feasible. The breweries that could afford to convert their operations to the manufacture of these alternatives, were better able to withstand the economic pressures of the Depression, and thus emerge as the leaders in the industry.

Over 1000 breweries were operating in the U.S. just prior to National Prohibition. Within two months of Repeal, only 31 were back in operation. This figure grew over the next few years to 666 by 1935, but steadily declined after that. It would not be until the microbrewery revolution of the 1980s and '90s that the number of operating breweries would approach pre-Prohibition levels.

another heart rending scene. . .

Of course, with Prohibition came those who took advantage of the situation and supplied the populace with illicit beer and alcohol.

caught with the goods. . .

one big haul for the Feds. . .