Compare And Contrast The Temperance Movement And The Abolitionist Movement

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I have chosen 2 major reform movements to discuss in this essay. I have chosen the Temperance movement, and the Abolitionist movement. I will compare these two movements, and see which one in my opinion, has improved life for Americans the most. The Temperance movement was from 19th to 20th century. It was an organized effort to encourage moderation in the consumption of intoxicating liquors or complete abstinence. Alcohol was widely used in the US, and it was often cheaper than milk or beer. Also, often safer to drink than water, because the water was more than likely, contaminated. As result of this, alcohol abuse reached, “epidemic proportions.” Women were drawn to the temperance movement because them and their children often suffered from …show more content…

This movement became increasingly prominent in churches in the North and politics starting in the 1830’s, contributing to the bad blood between North and South, leading to the Civil War. Abolitionists won support of a few powerful individuals. Former President, John Quincy Adams, now a member of Congress, read antislavery petitions from the floor of the House of Representatives. In 1839, John Quincy Adams proposed a constitutional amendment that would ban slavery in any new state joining the union. However, this was not passed. 2 years later, he made a dramatic stand against slavery. Captive Africans aboard the ship, “Amistad” had rebelled, whilst doing so, killing the captain. They ordered the crew to sail back to Africa. However, they sailed to America. John Quincy Adams spoke in front of the Supreme Court for nine hours, and helped the captives regain their freedom. Some brave abolitionists dedicated their lives to helping people escape from slavery. A system was established by them, called the Underground Railroad. It was neither underground or railroad, but a network of people - black or white, who secretly helped slaves reach freedom. Working for this cause, was illegal, and dangerous. Many people risked their lives to help runaway slaves. Harriet Tubman who had also escaped slavery, had helped 300 people to their freedom, via