What was the Hays Production Code? Why was it enacted?

What will be an ideal response?

This Code, also known as the Hays Code, was established in 1934 (named after Postmaster General Will H. Hays), as a voluntary measure to control violence, sex and criminal conduct on film. Somewhat controversial in that it was a form of censorship, the Hays Production Code evolved ultimately into the MPAA's voluntary movie rating system in 1968 which focused on disclosure rather than censorship.