Temperance Movement During The Progressive Era

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The Progressive Era (1890 – 1920) was the era of transforming American society. There were several reforms throughout this time period concerning governmental, political, social, economic, civil rights, and conservation issues. Most of the reforms came about due to societal, political, and economic failures associated with the Industrial Age. Two particular movements that occurred were the temperance movement and the women's rights movement. The temperance movement was a move to enforce the moral principles of living in moderation and self-control in regards to the issue of alcohol consumption. The women's rights movements creates equality among sexes. Women went above expectations and strived for their rights to vote and work outside of …show more content…

Drinking was a way of life for Americans during the industrial era. Alcohol was an important part of all kinds of social functions. Because the consumption of alcohol was so common, domestic violence and poverty became an issue. The access drinking put families at home in danger of violence. Also, because alcohol consumed most of these men's lives, they were more concerned with that than their job and providing for their family. The government wanted to get these issues under control and the Temperance Movement began to solve these growing problems. "By 1916, 23 of 48 states had passed anti-saloon legislation. Many went further, prohibiting the manufacture of alcoholic beverages as well. On January 29, 1919, Congress ratified the 18th Amendment, which prohibited the manufacturing, transportation and sale of alcohol within the United States." (history.com). Later on the National Prohibition Act was put in place so the government had control of enforcing the law. There were several loopholes in this act so the government could get away with drinking. Bootleg alcohol—buying and selling of illegal alcohol—started to occur later in the prohibition. Crime arose which was the opposite of what government had planned to do. This caused for a repeal in prohibition. Congress solved the problem by proposing the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, which repealed both the 18th Amendment and the prohibition Act. Since then, liquor control in the United States is set at the local

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