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Temperance in the United States: Milestones in American History

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Published in The Prohibition Era: Temperance In The United States (Milestones In American History)

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The temperance movement in the United States was a long and complex one, with its roots in the early republic. It reached its peak in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when it succeeded in passing a constitutional amendment banning the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol. This amendment, known as Prohibition, was in effect from 1920 to 1933, but it was widely flouted and ultimately repealed. In the years since then, the temperance movement has continued to advocate for policies to reduce alcohol consumption, but it has faced a number of challenges.

The Prohibition Era: Temperance in the United States (Milestones in American History)

by Louise Chipley Slavicek

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4208 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	120 pages

The Early Temperance Movement

The temperance movement in the United States began in the early 19th century, as part of a broader social reform movement that also included campaigns against slavery and prostitution. Temperance reformers argued that alcohol was a major social problem, leading to poverty, crime, and domestic violence. They also argued that alcohol was addictive and that it could damage one's health.

The early temperance movement was largely unsuccessful, but it laid the groundwork for future successes. In 1833, the American Temperance Society was founded, and it quickly became the leading organization in the movement. The society's members worked to educate the public about the dangers of alcohol, and they also lobbied for laws to restrict the sale and consumption of alcohol.

The Prohibition Era

The temperance movement reached its peak in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1893, the Anti-Saloon League was founded, and it quickly became the most powerful organization in the movement. The Anti-Saloon League used a variety of tactics to achieve its goals, including lobbying, education, and political action.

In 1919, the Anti-Saloon League succeeded in passing the Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol. This amendment went into effect in 1920, and it marked the beginning of the Prohibition era.

Prohibition was a disaster. It failed to reduce alcohol consumption, and it led to a rise in organized crime and bootlegging. In 1933, the Twenty-first Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed, repealing Prohibition.

The Temperance Movement After Prohibition

After the repeal of Prohibition, the temperance movement continued to advocate for policies to reduce alcohol consumption. However, the movement faced a number of challenges. One challenge was the rise of the automobile, which made it easier for people to get around and to find alcohol. Another challenge was the growth of the suburbs, which made it easier for people to drink in private.

In recent years, the temperance movement has focused on reducing underage drinking and drunk driving. The movement has also supported policies to increase the price of alcohol and to restrict its availability.

The Legacy of the Temperance Movement

The temperance movement has had a lasting impact on American culture. The movement's efforts have helped to reduce alcohol consumption and to improve public health. The movement has also helped to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol addiction.

The temperance movement is a complex and controversial topic. There is no doubt that the movement has had some positive effects. However, the movement has also been criticized for its extremism and its intolerance of alcohol.

Ultimately, the temperance movement is a product of its time. It reflects the values and beliefs of a particular era in American history. The movement is a reminder of the power of social reform movements, and it is a lesson in the limits of government power.

Additional Resources

* [The Temperance Movement in the United States](https://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/Temperance.html) - A website from the Library of Congress about the temperance movement in the United States. * [The Anti-Saloon League](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Anti-Saloon-League) - A website from the Encyclopedia Britannica about the Anti-Saloon League. * [Prohibition](https://www.history.com/topics/roaring-twenties/prohibition) - A website from the History Channel about Prohibition. * [Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse](https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/alcohol-use-and-your-health/index.htm) - A website from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about alcoholism and alcohol abuse.

The Prohibition Era: Temperance in the United States (Milestones in American History)

by Louise Chipley Slavicek

5 out of 5