The mentality behind Prohibition was Progressive: The State enforces a ban on something that they feel will reduce crime and misfortune associated with it. It also entailed the state becoming incredibly Draconian to make sure you weren’t making, selling, or buying it. If that wasn’t enough, another reason was being pushed that it would make life better for women when you crack down via Prohibition on the alcoholic husbands. Similar to how some think that banning speech or hate crimes legislation reduces all general hate in America, when what makes a bigger difference is whether or not some kid is indoctrinated in the gangster mentality or not.
Ken Burns is just confused...