Prohibition of the consumption and sale of alcohol.
The Women's Christian Temperance Union was formed in 1874 with the goal of ending the sale and consumption of alcohol in the US. This was part of larger social reforms during the time.
Many members of the WCTU were also fighting for women's suffrage. Women were unable to participate in politics and many political meetings occurred in bars. Also women were at the mercy of husbands who were often drunk and spent family money on alcohol instead of the family's needs. Alcohol was also connected to immigration issues of the time. New immigrants coming to America had drinking cultures and immigrants were seen as ruining the morality of American culture. The WCTU worked through the early 20th century, joining other groups, to eventually pass the 18th Amendment which prohibited alcohol.
Women’s Christian Temperance Movement campaigned for Prohibition of the consumption and sale of alcohol.
Further Explanations:
Woman’s Christian Temperance Movement was a vigorous international abstemiousness organization formed to enforce social reforms established by Christianity prevailing during the Progressive era. It came into effect on 23rd December 1873 through a national convention held in Cleveland, Ohio laying emphasis on banning alcohol. The devotee of the organization believed that alcohol was the main cause behind the suffrage of Women.
The members wanted to eradicate women's suffrage from the society that was prevailing since ancient eras. Women were prohibited from attending the political meeting held during the era and were also forced to live on the mercy of their husbands. Men were found of drinking alcohol and were spending money on alcohol instead of spending it in the household amenities. As per WCTU alcohol was ruining their morality and culture of the nation. Eventually, they were able to impose a ban on alcohol through the 18th Amendment, Prohibition act.
Learn More
Answer Details
Grade: High School
Subject: History
Chapter: Progressive era
Keywords:
Woman’s Christian Temperance Movement, Progressive era, social reforms, Cleveland, Ohio, women's suffrage, alcohol, household amenities, WCTU, morality, culture, 18th Amendment, Prohibition act.