Demon Rum
Prohibition did not go into effect in the U.S. until 1920, but the government was concerned early on with alcohol consumption by Indians. Some Indians groups (such as the Apaches) had used alcohol ceremonially before European contact, but after being introduced to it by traders and explorers, developed a liking for rum and other distilled spirits.
Traders, especially, liked to use alcohol when they dealt with Indians. Rum was something that Indians couldn’t make, but wanted, and it impaired their judgment during the subsequent trading. Because Indians were not used to drinking and were often prodded to consume too much, they frequently overindulged.
- Traders Plying Alcohol
In 1832, a law was passed against giving “ardent spirits” to Indians, but the damage had already been done. Some Indians had developed a craving for alcohol, and greedy profiteers were willing to sell it to them. In 1910, Congress appropriated $60,000 ($1,400,000 today) for the suppression of “the liquor traffic among the Indians.”
Sign from 1919
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