Temperance+Movement

The temperance movement was a social movement that encouraged people to consume alcohol in moderation. It began in the 1830’s and 1840’s in the United States. This movement had been rooted in the protestant churches, and many people that supported it were women. In this time period women depended on their husbands for most things, as they did not have many rights. The groups that supported the temperance movement first encouraged the moderation of alcohol, and later pushed for the government to ban alcohol completely. Some of the most notable figures involved in the temperance movement included Susan B. Anthony, Frances E. Willard, and Carry A. Nation.

Susan B. Anthony  Carry Nation

One group that fought for the temperance movement’s success was the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, or WCTU. This group consisted of thousands of women that had organized publicly to support the cause of temperance. By the end of the 19th century the WCTU led by Frances Willard had achieved some great successes. They created an anti-alcohol education campaign that was implemented in class rooms across the country. People in this group believed that alcohol was the underlying cause of many social problems in the country. Their main goal was to have a prohibition amendment added to the constitution.



Another group that fought for the same cause was the Anti-Saloon League. This group became the most successful single issue lobbying organization in our nation’s history and was led by Wayne Wheeler. They would form alliances with anyone that also supported their cause, so they became affiliated with many other organizations. After the income tax amendment was ratified in 1913, the government was no longer dependent on the liquor tax. This is when the Anti-Saloon league began to work quickly. This group learned how to used propaganda to their advantage. Soon they had achieved their goal of prohibition. In 1917 the 18th amendment was ratified in just 13 months. This amendment made the United States a dry nation. From its beginnings in the 1830’s the temperance movement eventually made the United States a dry country.