Prohibition (1920-1933) was a national phenomenon. Therefore, prohibition places associated with temperance are found across the country. Perhaps you live in or near one of these prohibition places. A number of places have temperance fountains. They reflect the quaintly naive belief was that if people had water to drink they would be less likely to …
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Fifteen Gallon Law: A Temperance Alcohol Prohibition Effort
The fifteen gallon law was passed by Massachusetts in 1838. It was intended to prevent the sale of distilled spirits in retail outlets. (Distilled spirits beverages are whiskey, rum, gin, rye, vodka, etc). Anyone who bought alcohol had to buy at least 15 gallons. An exception was made for doctors and pharmacists. Patients needed to …
American Medical Temperance Association: Discover Its Origin and Goals
The American Medical Temperance Association was formed in 1891. Sixty-one physicians attending the annual meeting of the American Medical Association (AMA) that year met and adopted a constitution and by-laws. The group stated its purpose to be ‘the practice of total abstention in and through the medical profession, and the promotion of investigations as to …
Women’s Temperance Crusade: Origin of the WCTU
The Women’s Temperance Crusade was a remarkable phenomenon. Ironically, it was sparked by a man. His name was Diocletion Lewis. Known as Dr. Dio Lewis, he had practiced medicine but was unlicensed to do so. He had only studied homeopathy for a few months and briefly apprenticed under a homeopath. But the title gave him …
Massachusetts Society for the Suppression of Intemperance
The Massachusetts Society for the Suppression of Intemperance was founded in the Statehouse in Boston on February 5, 1813. The goal of the Society was “To discountenance and suppress the frequent use of ardent spirits and its kindred vices, profaneness and gaming, and encourage and promote temperance and general morality.” By 1818 it had over …
Loyal Temperance Legion: Young Crusaders for Prohibition
The Loyal Temperance Legion is an organization for youth aged six to twelve years. It attempts to promote temperance and is a part of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU). What became the Legion was originally formed in 1874 in Cleveland. From its beginning, the WCTU has had an interest in youth work. It has …
Temperance Timelines
Even the term temperance has had a strange history. It began with the clear meaning of temperate or moderate. So temperance activists called for not drinking excessively. Among other things, that meant not drinking distilled spirits. That view was based on a myth. They thought spirits were “stronger” than beer and wine. In reality, standard drinks …
Growth of Temperance in America (U.S.): Timeline
The U.S. Civil War (1861-1865) and its immediate aftermath diverted attention to more pressing matters. This disrupted the growth of temperance work. And the work was essentially destroyed in the South. The massive rebuilding needed there inhibited growth of the movement for years. However, by 1870, concerns about temperance again largely returned. The successes and …
Temperance Approach to Alcohol: Counterproductive
The temperance approach to alcohol has a long tradition. People who pushed for Prohibition (1920-1933) lived in a different era. There was little scientific knowledge about drinking alcohol. They had some strange ideas. Strange Beliefs Consider these assertions: Alcohol is the dirtiest drug we have. It permeates and damages all tissue. No other drug can …
Temperance Organizations & Groups of the U.S.: Discover How They Lead to Prohibition
Temperance organizations or groups were very successful in bringing about National Prohibition in the U.S. (1920-1933). Any successful social movement requires the concerted efforts of effective organizations. They guide the actions of dedicated individuals. Virtually all such groups fall into obscurity over time. This, in spite of their achievements. Temperance Organizations Presented Alphabetically. American Temperance …