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Background:

The temperance movement was a campaign against alcohol taking place in early 19th century America, in the midst of the Second Great Awakening (“Temperance Movement”). During this time, characterized by the reinstitution of traditional religion and frequent “revivals”, Americans were striving for a more virtuous society (Brinkley). Many faith related reforms began to appear at this time, and smaller Christian denominations such as the Methodist and Baptist churches grew very rapidly. This religious resurgence brought with it the overwhelmingly popular cause of abstinence (Brinkley& Baker). This movement reflected the democratic ideal of Personal Responsibility, people took into their own hands how they wanted their lives and society to look; success was theirs, and theirs alone, for the taking.

 

Temperance

Leaders:

The start of the temperance movement can largely be credited to Dr. Benjamin Rush, who, in 1805, published written works on the harmful physical and moral effects of Alcoholism. Rush soon gained the support of Minister Jeremy Belknap, who affirmed the doctor’s conclusions and stated the numerous vices alcohol led to, such as theft, murder and fraud (“The Temperance Movement”). Other leaders included orators such as John B. Gough and John H.W. Hawkins, who toured the country preaching the message of temperance. The highly influential preacher Lyman Beecher spoke on the matter several times as well (“Temperance Movement”).

Lyman Beecher

Successes and Failures:

The movement spawned many groups dedicated to abstinence, at first only partial, but the movement eventually called for complete rejection of alcoholic beverages. The most prominent of these groups was the American Temperance Society (ATS), which, at its height, had 10% of Americans pledged to their cause (“Alcohol, Temperance, and Prohibition”). Another successful group affiliated with ATS was the “Sons of Temperance” this well organized collective amassed some 238,000 members (“Temperance Movement”). The Greatest success of Temperance came in 1851, when Maine banned the production and sale of intoxicating substances, this marked the first official legislation made in the cause’s name. Many other states also passed similar anti-alcohol laws, but these were quickly overturned as unconstitutional, and by 1857 all laws prohibiting alcohol were discarded (“Temperance Movement”). The Temperance movement was ultimately a failure, it burned briefly and brightly but lacked the longevity needed for true success, and any chance of its principles being carried on was eliminated after 20th century prohibition.

Bibliography

 

1. "Temperance Reform in the Early 19th Century - Introduction for Students."             Temperance Reform in the Early 19th Century -       Introduction for Students. N.p.,             n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2015.             <http://www.teachushistory.org/Temperance/forstudents.htm>.

 

2. "Alcohol, Temperance and Prohibition." Alcohol, Temperance and Prohibition. N.p.,             n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2015. <http://library.brown.edu/cds/temperance/essay.html>.

 

3. "Temperance Movement." Dictionary of American History. 2003, "Temperance             Movement." West's Encyclopedia of American Law. 2005, John Cannon,             "temperance Movements." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th Ed.. 2015, PHYLLIS             A. LANGTON, "Temperance Movement." Gale Encyclopedia of U.S, and             "temperance Movement." World Encyclopedia. 2005. "Temperance Movement."             Encyclopedia.com. HighBeam Research, 01 Jan. 2003. Web. 23 Nov. 2015.             <http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/temperance_movements.aspx>.

 

4.  Baker, Lawrence W. Shaping of America, 1783-1815. Detroit: U-X-L, 2006. Print.

 

5. Brinkley, Alan. The Unfinished Nation: A Concise History of the American People. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2004. Print.

 

Images:

 

https://s3.amazonaws.com/slideserve/thumb1/1_2566432.jpg

 

http://www.greatthoughtstreasury.com/sites/default/files/lyman-beecher[1].jpg

 

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/61532000/jpg/_61532871_temperance_poster_uclan.jpg

 

 

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