Temperance Movement Research Paper

During the Antebellum Period, there was a rise in alcohol consumption. Americans were negatively affected and some wanted change. This caused the Temperance Movement which was very popular. The Temperance Movement was against alcohol which some wanted to limit the item, as others wanted the beverage completely banned. This movement was to achieve a couple of goals with alcohol. The movement had many leaders and organizations, which had some great days and some bumpy roads. The United States was affected positively and negatively, especially with the Prohibition in 1919. This movement was not accepted by everyone as some criticized prohibition. Prohibition is also occurring today, though only ten percent of U.S. continue the banning. Counties …show more content…
These groups, such as the American Temperance Union and the American Temperance Society, had many successes and failures. To start off positively, one success was the Prohibition Party of 1869. This was a political party which practically controlled the Temperance Movement. Without the Prohibition Party no governmental laws would have been created. Another success was, these groups became well-known. Without being known they could not of been supported. These organizations also shut down some distilleries, breweries, and other alcohol stores. These groups stopped people from drinking by educating of the dangers of alcohol. They even persuaded them to go to church. After a couple of years, about 250 towns were liquor free. In 1916, 21 states banned alcohol business. Eventually, the Prohibition Era came into play because of the 18th Amendment. The 18th Amendment was a huge success because drinking was not limited, but became banned in the whole U.S. Following the prohibition, consumption decreased from two and half gallons to one gallon. In the present, there are still counties that ban alcohol. Though the temperance groups had many successes, they had some failures too. One failure was, the Prohibition Party was having trouble with support which was the key for laws. A separate failure was, not all drugstores shut down and if they did more were created. The Prohibition Era was seen …show more content…
Most of them were negative. One result was the Great depression which caused unemployment and inflation. Some jobs that were lost were at distilleries and breweries. The American government was losing capital because of no alcohol taxes. Though drinking rates dropped after prohibition, they suddenly increased again after. Similar to the drinking rates, crimes also became more present. Two major crimes were smuggling and illegal production of alcohol. After a short time prohibition was implemented, people began disagreeing with the banning as well as others agreed with the ban. Though many supported the prohibition era and many did not, acts of protest

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