The Temperance Movement began in the 19th century and progressed into the early 20th century. The goals were to stress the importance to decrease alcohol consumption- and even in some cases, pressing for abstinence. Most individuals in the movement were women and children who had been victims of the excessive drinking their husbands and male counterparts did. he temperance movement of the 19th and early 20th centuries was an organized effort to encourage moderation in the consumption of intoxicating liquors or press for complete abstinence. In fact, amounts of individuals drinking were so high- that "By 1830, the average American over 15 years old consumed nearly seven gallons of pure alcohol a year – three times as much as we drink today"[PBS]. Because females were so dependant on their husbands during this time where they lacked rights in the domestic and public sphere, the correlation between societies, churches, and alcohol became clear.
The Temperance Movement began in Protestant churches, during the American Reformation Era- where churches would support the gradual decease of alcohol use and even attempted to have the government outlaw it. Because of its social impacts and the havoc it wrecked on families, people began to denounce heavy alcohol use. In the late 1830s, temperance officials began to inquire if laws could be put in place to decrease liquor sales. Some wanted to specify the quantities that would be bought- usually 20 gallons being the cap. Other groups wanted the communities to come together and regulate alcohol purchase mounts. After the Civil War, the Prohibition Party was created in Chicago, and actually began pushing presidential candidates for office. However, its size gave it a disadvantage as it was not as prominent as other parties. However, contrasted to the early temperance movement, there was a greater involvement of women after the Civil War. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union emerged in 1874. The WCTU became one of the biggest women's groups in this American time period, and eventually expanded on issues that included suffrage, prison reformation, and even labor laws.
Ultimately, the Temperance Movement was important in the context that it allowed women to have greater representation in society but also built upon the values and morals of the Second Great AWakening. With the expansion of churches, many preachers denounced alcoholism and the fracturing effect it had on societies. Women who had been victims of their husband's alcohol use also steadily gained a voice in society. Although with the passing of the 18th amendment, these groups eventually did decline- the rights it gave females as the minority group will be an important aspect of American history. In addition, the growth of the party and influence can be seen in its development to a small-scale political party; showing that the post-Great Awakening Ideology had become an important aspect in everyday American life.
Sources:
http://www.history.com/topics/womens-history/womans-christian-temperance-union
http://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences-and-law/sociology-and-social-reform/social-reform/temperance-movements
http://www.pbs.org/kenburns/prohibition/roots-of-prohibition/
http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1054.html
https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/amendments/amendment-xviii
Anya - I found your post not only insightful but thoroughly researched. It was interesting that women and children were portrayed as the "victims" of alcoholism. Even today, we address the need to treat alcoholics but alcohol is still used for social and recreational activities. How would the modern man react if we were to limit his consumption? The temperance movement really showed the hierarchy and power that the church had. When we look at Modern European History, much of society was in fact governed by Christian religion. In America, it through the government and referral of the bible but not the sole word of a priest that governed the nation. In a way, alcohol was almost a blessing in disguise. At the time, even the native Americans saw it as an evil (ie: Little Turtle) yet it only helped to buttress representation to women and show that they can make a social change that they believed in.
ReplyDeleteNice job explaining the significance of the temperance movement, like improving Women's rights! I wouldn't have drawn that connection. I'd like to add that from 1920-1933, there was a Prohibition movement that legally banned alcohol. It massively failed. It started as a temporary effort to preserve US resources from WWI. However, it was later ratified as the 18th amendment. Unlike the temperance movement, which was inspired by the 2nd Great Awakening (as you mentioned in your post), the 18th was in an effort to reduce crime and corruption, solve social problems, reduce tax burdens created by prisons and poorhouses, and improve health and hygiene in America. However, the amendment backfired.
ReplyDeleteThere were many underground organizations manufacturing and selling liquor, which rose criminal activity levels. This also caused a rise in gang violence. Also, since so many jobs were lost, it hurt the economy. In fact, alcohol consumption levels actually increased! Go figure.
Finally, in the midst of the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt repealed it to generate more jobs and reverse the unfortunate results of banning alcohol in America.
http://www.history.com/topics/prohibition
https://www.cato.org/publications/policy-analysis/alcohol-prohibition-was-failure