American Temperance Society

Definition

The American Temperance Society was an organization founded in 1826 aimed at promoting temperance, specifically the reduction or elimination of alcohol consumption. It emerged during a time of social reform in the early 19th century, heavily influenced by the Second Great Awakening, which emphasized moral reform and personal piety. The Society played a pivotal role in the broader temperance movement, mobilizing individuals and communities to address the social issues associated with alcohol abuse, such as poverty and domestic violence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The American Temperance Society was one of the first national organizations to advocate for temperance, leading to the establishment of local chapters across the country.
2. The Society utilized various methods for persuasion, including public lectures, pamphlets, and moral suasion to influence individuals to abstain from alcohol.
3. The rise of the temperance movement coincided with other reform movements, such as abolitionism and women's rights, showcasing a period of increased activism in American society.
4. By the 1850s, the American Temperance Society had helped to significantly raise public awareness about the issues surrounding alcohol abuse and its societal impacts.
5. The efforts of the American Temperance Society laid foundational work for later movements that eventually led to Prohibition in the early 20th century.

Review Questions

• How did the American Temperance Society reflect the values and beliefs promoted during the Second Great Awakening?
  • The American Temperance Society mirrored the values of the Second Great Awakening by emphasizing moral responsibility and personal salvation through self-control. The revivalist spirit of this period encouraged individuals to engage in reform movements that sought to improve society by addressing issues like alcohol consumption. This alignment with religious fervor inspired many members to view temperance not only as a personal choice but as a moral obligation to uplift their communities.
• Discuss how the American Temperance Society influenced other reform movements in 19th century America.
  • The American Temperance Society had a significant impact on other reform movements by setting a precedent for organized activism and moral advocacy. Its strategies and community engagement inspired movements such as abolitionism and women's suffrage, which also sought to address societal issues deemed immoral or harmful. The temperance movement highlighted the interconnectedness of social reform efforts, illustrating how one cause could galvanize support for others and foster a spirit of collective action among various groups.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the American Temperance Society's efforts on American society and legislation related to alcohol consumption.
  • The long-term effects of the American Temperance Society's efforts can be seen in both societal attitudes toward alcohol and legislative changes in America. Their campaigns raised awareness about alcohol-related problems, paving the way for Prohibition in the early 20th century when the 18th Amendment was enacted. Although Prohibition ultimately led to unintended consequences such as increased organized crime and a backlash against temperance policies, it underscored how the Society's initiatives fundamentally shifted public discourse around alcohol consumption and its regulation.

Related terms

Second Great Awakening: A religious revival movement in the early 19th century that emphasized personal faith, piety, and the need for social reforms, including temperance.

Temperance Movement: A social movement aimed at reducing or prohibiting the consumption of alcohol, which gained significant traction in the United States during the 19th century.

Moral Reform: Efforts during the 19th century to improve society through the promotion of virtue and the reduction of social vices, including alcohol consumption.