The Temperance Movement In The 19th Century

The Temperance Movement
The temperance movement is a social movement that started in the early 19th century, with the objective of advocating for the reduction and prohibition of alcohol beverages usage. The movement was, by far, one of the most successful and largest reform movements of the early 1800s (McConnell 43). They promoted complete abstinence and criticized excessive use of alcohol. Prior to the initiation of this movement, there were several publications against drunkenness and excessive use of alcohol. The movement also concentrated on the abstinence from hard spirits and emphasized moral rather than legal measures against alcohol consumption. The earliest known temperance movement was started in New York State, Connecticut,
They believed that women were innocent victims of the drinking vice and that because most societies were male dominated, the women were blameworthy (Bordin 17). The movement became one of the earliest means through which women found roles and responsibilities to play in public, therefore preparing them for leadership positions in the decades that followed. The Women’s Christian Temperance Union, for example, became internationally recognized and appreciated. Besides the US, the union was also very influential in the United Kingdom and Australia. The “do everything policy,” which was adopted by the movement by the 1820s allowed women to discuss political issues in a manner that had not been witnessed in history.
Women leaders started to became vocal on many other issues that affected their respective societies using forums organized by the Temperance Movement. One of the prominent women leaders in the movement was, Lady Henry Somerset, who attracted criticism from other members who felt that Lady Somerset’s “moderationist” approach would lead to a split of the movement. Such views had already caused organizational divisions in various places. Nevertheless, the temperance movement became one of the organizations that facilitated the shifting of women from pure domestic work to public roles (Bordin
The temperance movement utilized it as well, as a means of passing its messages and attaining its objectives. Novels and short stories against alcoholism were also written in the early 1800s. In addition, the songs and hymns were seen as a better means because America in the early 19th century was a nation of “drinkers and singers,” The Women’s Christian Temperance Union was among the first to compose and sing hymns against the vice especially during national conventions and local rallies organized by the temperance movement. Labor organizations also composed and sang songs that depicted alcohol drinking as a hindrance to economic development. Some of the songs that discouraged people from alcoholism while at the same time emphasizing the importance of hard work included, “Keep Your Eyes On The Prize” and “We Shall Overcome”.
Music was made part of the temperance movement meetings throughout the US and other countries. It was present, in what came to be popularity referred to as “Temperance Tunes.” They were increasingly published in songbooks, magazines, newspapers and hymnals. Its leaders understood well the potential of music in changing people’s perception, attitudes and approach towards diverse challenges facing