Temperance Movement

Temperance Movement By Kevin Fong, Hoi Him, Josh Goldstern, and Kevin Huang

Background Information • The temperance movement is a social movement urging reduced or prohibited use of alcoholic beverages. • Temperance movements typically criticize excessive alcohol, and pressured the government to enact anti-alcohol legislation or complete prohibition of alcohol. • These movements were led by mostly women who held campaigns throughout the county within two years. • Men would use their family money on alcohol instead of necessities needed in the household. • Men would also beat and abuse their wives and children.

Important Leaders • Lyman Beecher- Connecticut Minister who lectured against the use of liquor in 1825. Assembled and led the American Temperance Society. She started out lecturing to crowds about the terrible effects of liquor. 3 years later the ATS was known throughout the United States. • The American Temperance Society was a group formed to protest against the use of alcohol. • Amelia Bloomer- Wrote the Temperance newspaper. She is remembered for her bravery and self-advocacy on the topic. • Dr. Justin Edwards- Co-Founder of the American Temperance Society, Edwards was involved in the movement because he was sick and tired of drunkards making a scene around the community.

Accomplishments • The American Temperance Society held rallies, produced pamphlets, and brought a decline to the consumption in alcohol. • These rallies encouraged women to educate themselves and fight for their rights (remember the ATS was mostly run by women).

Connection to Jacksonian democracy Jacksonian Democracy was intended to contribute to the reformation of the voting rights for people. During the Temperance Movement, groups of abstinence supporters unified to start the radical movement of persuading the people to ban the use of alcohol. This is a direct example of Jacksonian Democracy being exercised. What is interesting is that most of the members in these groups were women. During the 1800s, many state laws only allowed “all white men (over 21) to vote”. Although women were still considered inferior to men at that point in time, this movement was revolutionary because it allowed women to join reform movements freely and express their opinion. This would further lead to the Women’s Suffrage movement in the 19th century

Multiple choice questions The activists of the temperance movement would most likely….. • Support the women’s suffrage movement • Be pleased with voting restrictions • Advocate with the spoils system • Support the abolitionist movement

The temperance movement was a…. • Social movement • Religious movement • A and B • Christianity movement

All of the following were reasons for the temperance movement except.. • Alcohol abuse • Political leaders giving drinks as bribes • Health and social reform for women • The ban of alcohol in church

Bibliography • Hanson, David J. "Temperance Movement Groups and Leaders in the U.S." Temperance Movement Groups and Leaders in the U.S. N.p., Oct. 2002. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. • "Prohibition." PBS. PBS, 2011. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. • "Temperance Movement." Ohio History Central. Ohio History Central, 2001. Web. 11 Mar. 2014.

Temperance Movement