Temperance and The Alcohol Prohibition - Essay Example

Temperance and the Alcohol Prohibition Introduction In the 1830s, the idea of alcohol ban had begunto pick up in the United States. The idea was gaining prominence because significant number of people believed that alcohol was connected to numerous evils in the world such as poverty and insanity (Heron 19). As a result of this, the temperance movement was able to gain momentum. The movement witnessed exponential growth and thousands of people became dedicated to foster and promote temperance. As more and more people spread the word about temperance, early temperance laws started taking shape. Massachusetts was the first state to create temperance in 1838; it made it possible for people to buy alcohol in large quantities in order to ensure that the working-class are unable to purchase it (Blocker, David and Ian 33). Temperance laws took a new dimension when Maine became the first state to enact a statewide law that prohibits alcohol consumption. This move encouraged other counties and cities to work towards enacting temperance law (Tracy 25). In order to have a better understanding of temperance and the alcohol prohibition, this paper will discuss the topic and give details that are relating to it. In the 1830s and 1840s, temperance movement was gained immense momentum and many people supported it. However, the movement suffered setback during the American Civil War. Both sides in the war were relying on alcohol duty to fund their battles. As a result, numerous states stopped alcohol prohibition (Gately 74). It is worth noting that this was reversed after the war as more and more states and counties embarked to become “dry”. In the postwar period, the movement grew to become a significant mass movement and was instrumental in encouraging alcohol abstinence. The movement engaged in building alternatives to replace the roles of public bars; the Independent Order of Rechabites was established as a friendly society where no meetings were held in public bars (Tracy 29). Also, there was a movement that introduced temperance fountains around America in order to make sure people have reliably safe drinking water instead of having to go to a saloon and various coffee palaces and temperance halls so as to replace bars. The temperance movement in the United States got a boost as advocacy for alcohol abstinence were emerging in other countries and so its emphasis spreading internationally. For example, the Salvation Army was established in 1864 in London and emphasized heavily on the abstinence from alcohol (Heron 30). A number of local and international prohibitionist groups were created in the postwar period and were instrumental in advocating for alcohol prohibition. Prohibitionist groups such as the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union and the Pioneer Total Abstinence Associations were established to spread the idea of alcohol abstinence locally and internationally (Blocker, David and Ian 41). As more and more prohibitionist groups were being formed, huge strides were being achieved towards prohibiting alcohol since it was considered to be the cause of many evils. The temperance movement further obtained traction during the World War I due to the fact that there were sharp restrictions regarding alcohol sale in various combatant countries. This was done with the view of ensuring that resources are preserved for purposes of war (Tracy 83). For example, in the United Kingdom, the government enacted the Defense of the Realm Act that licensed pub hours, subjected alcohol to extra tax, and provision for watering down beer. After the World War I, the United States successfully passed the 18th Amendment that introduced alcohol prohibition. This scenario was replicated in several countries such as the New Zealand and Australian states where restrictive early pub closing was introduced during and after the World War I. Also, the post World War I witnessed Canada cutting off alcohol imports (Gately 106). It is no doubt that the temperance movement was gaining momentum particularly after the American Civil War and during and after the World War I. These periods were characterized by more legislation on alcohol prohibition or reduction of alcohol consumption. However, from the 1930s, the momentum of temperance movement began to decline. This scenario was largely attributed to criticism that temperance movement got. Prohibition of alcohol was criticized as being unhealthy in the sense that it distorted drinking habits (Heron 75). It was also criticized for undermining economic activity and encouraging criminals. As a consequence of criticisms leveled against alcohol prohibition, the tide of legislation greatly moved from prohibition aspect when it was repealed in the 1930s. Licensing laws were also gradually relaxed during the mid and late twentieth century. It is also important to point out that there were some successes during this period particularly in the third world for temperance movement. Countries such as Sri Lanka emphasized on alcohol abstinence and they tied their abstinence on religious aspects. In the recent years, the temperance movement’s prominence has declined considerably. While it exists across the world, it has become less powerful force. Its political force in present day cannot be compared to how it was in early twentieth century (Blocker, David and Ian 58). Conclusion It is clear that temperance movement has a relatively long history. As has been noted, temperance movement and the whole idea of alcohol prohibition were based on the belief that alcohol is the main cause of evils in the world such as poverty and misery. It is based on this belief that those who were involved in temperance movement emphasized on the prohibition of alcohol and in some instances its abstinence. It has been noted that temperance movement was powerful during the 19th and 20th century. In particular, its momentum was higher after the American Civil War and during and after the First World War. During those periods, significant laws were enacted to regulate alcohol consumption. In other jurisdictions, laws were passed to completely prohibit alcohol consumption. This scenario was not only witnessed in America but also in other parts of the world. However, in recent years temperance movement has lost its momentum. While the movement has presence in many parts across the world, the movement is no longer powerful. Works Cited Blocker, Jack S, David M. Fahey, and Ian R. Tyrrell. Alcohol and Temperance in Modern History. Santa Barbara, Calif: ABC-CLIO, 2003. Print. Gately, Iain. Drink: A Cultural History of Alcohol. New York: Gotham Books, 2008. Internet resource. Heron, Craig. Booze: A Distilled History. Toronto, Ont: Between the Lines, 2003. Print. Tracy, Sarah W. Altering American Consciousness: The History of Alcohol and Drug Use in the United States, 1800-2000. Amherst, Mass: Univ. of Massachusetts Press, 2004. Print. Read More