Temperance

Temperance

Pre Reform

Post Civil War

-The average American over 15 years old drank almost seven gallons of pure alcohol/year-Alcoholism was at an all time high.-Men were primarily alcoholics-Women were completely dependent on their husbands which caused the whole house to be chaotic

-Increase in German, Irish, and Italian immigration caused an increase in the brewing business-1870s: inspired by the rising anger of the Methodists and Baptists, and by wives and mothers, women created Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU)

A movement that wanted to reduce, or in some cases, completely reduce the use of alcohol

First started in the 1830s. Thought drinking was the root of all evil

-Criticized excessive alcohol use-Promoted complete abstinence-Pressured the government to apply anti-alcohol legislation

Anti Saloon Legislation

- Led by Wayne Wheeler-Wanted a constitutional amendment that would stop the manufacture, sale and transportation of alcohol-1913: Income tax was ratified causing the government to no longer depend on alcohol taxes to fund them-1917: 18th amendment was passed

Long Term Effects

Jan. 17, 1920: 18th amendment goes into effect officially banning alcohol

-Increase in bootlegging-Increased gang violence-Organized crime caused an increase in other crimes-Popularized clubs, speakeasies, and jazz-Nearly 10,000 poison related deaths

Dec. 5, 1933: 21st amendment repealed the 18th ending prohibition