Temperance Movement Research Paper

Religious fervor in the early 19 century lead to the start of the temperance movement. Across America, preachers advocated for the complete abstinence of alcohol. In addition, many members of the clergy linked alcohol with perdition. Therefore, it was a sin to consume alcoholic beverages. Moreover, priests would deliver terrifying sermons on the spiritual consequences of consuming alcohol striking fear on their congregations. Simultaneously, physicians at that time concluded that alcohol was responsible for many human illnesses. For example, insanity, indigestion, arthritis, depression, paralysis, and the list continue. Although this catalog is terrifying nothing was more frightening than the immediate combustion of the human body. Furthermore, …show more content…
For example, James Appleton of Massachusetts declared full prohibition of alcohol in the Salem Gazette back in 1832. Furthermore, he joined politics becoming a member of the Massachusetts state legislature to continue pushing for prohibition. Although many later politicians did the same none of them gained national prominence. However, many politicians did obtain significance within their own state. For example, the Quaker Neal Dow from Portland, Maine attempted to pass legislation that would ban alcohol. As mayor of Portland Dow successfully made alcohol, illegal and his town became the first dry city in America. However, unlicensed saloons later began to illicitly sell liquor. Subsequently, women began to advocate for the abolition of alcohol. Although, women were unable to vote, they began to develop administrative skills, management skills, and gain experience in the encouragement of public policy. For instance, Elizabeth Thompson assembled a group of middle class women to go protest outside bars throughout Hillsboro, Ohio. Furthermore, Elizabeth inspired other women to do the same, but they were unsuccessful in the big …show more content…
Therefore, in 1874 they came together and formed the National Women's Christian Temperance Union. In addition, Francis Elizabeth Willard a former college professor became president of the NWCTU. Furthermore, she believed that alcohol represented pure evil, discouraged the worship of god, and a creation of the devil. Additionally, Francis Willard requested Congress to pass legislation on prohibition in 1875. Furthermore, the NWCTU pushed for public schools to teach students about the wickedness of alcohol. For example, kids would sing jingles on the dangers of alcohol plus make scary scientific observations. Later, a woman named Carry Nation joined the NWCTU an ardent member of the organization. Furthermore, Carry Nation carried a hatchet with her smashing furniture and kegs of beer. Additionally, many bartenders alerted each other to be careful if they see her around. Although, the NWCTU was a prominent organization the Anti-Saloon League was the driving force that would eventually cause the passage of the 18th amendment. A prominent member named Wayne Wheeler persuaded fellow citizens to vote for politicians that supported

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The Temperance Movement Research Paper