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Temperance Movement Essay

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Temperance movements in America are the campaigns and efforts targeted at the reduction of alcohol and then later, prohibition. These movements took part for the whole 1800s, with the eventual end of the movement with the 18th and 21st amendments. The increase in women's political activism and worries about the detrimental effects of alcohol on society, the economy, and health were two elements that fueled the temperance campaigns. In this essay, you can find a broad description of the temperance movements that took place in America. The discussion includes their origins, significant individuals involved, tactics, accomplishments, as well as their shortcomings
The temperance movements in America originated in the early 1800s, as alcohol consumption …show more content…

Another significant organization was the Women's Christian Temperance Union, also known as WCTU, which was founded in 1874 by women who wanted to educate the public about the economic problems that alcohol has caused, along with the social problems. With a campaign of “Agitate - Educate - Legislate.” the WCTU became one of the most influential temperance organizations in America …show more content…

Congregationalist pastor and early proponent of alcohol abstinence Lyman Beecher was one of the most significant characters in the temperance movement. Beecher advocated complete abstinence as the only remedy because he believed alcohol was a moral and social evil that corrupted people and society (Campbell). Neal Dow, a legislator from Maine who spearheaded the effort to pass the nation's first statewide prohibition statute, was another significant individual. The Dow's law, which forbade the sale and manufacture of alcoholic beverages in Maine and served as a precedent for other states, was approved in 1851 (Encyclopedia.com). Many female leaders in the temperance movements were driven by worries about how alcohol would affect women and children. Frances Willard, who assumed the spot of president of the Women's Christian Temperance Union in 1879, was one of the most well-known female leaders (Campbell). Willard, a talented public speaker, and organizer, contributed to the growth of the WCTU's membership and

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