The temperance movement – 100 words

Imagine in today’s culture of intoxication a people’s movement arising to counter alcohol. The 19th century saw such a campaign. It had immense influence by the early 20th century. The temperance movement: an alliance of religious and political groups campaigning for personal and legislative change. The goal of moderation and the shunning of ‘ardent spirits’ soon evolved into advocacy of teetotalism - a term derived from a stammering ex-inebriate’s advocacy of t-t-total abstinence. Individuals could ‘Take the Pledge’. While Britain by the 1920s did not have prohibition, local areas could veto the sale of alcohol. The movement waned rapidly after WW2.