Explain the causes of temperance movement.?
Answers
The main reasons people supported the temperance movement were for the social issues rooted in alcohol abuse. ... Pro-temperance advocates believed dry states and elimination of alcohol was the only way to fix the problems created by alcohol abuse.
The temperance movement advocated temperance or moderation rather than abstinence. And its future looked bright. But many of the leaders overestimated their strength. They expanded their goals. Took positions on gambling, profaning the Sabbath, and other moral issues. They also became involved in political bickering. Not surprisingly, their movement stalled by the early 1820s. (3)
Teetotalers
During the early 1800’s, temperance societies offered two pledge options: moderation in drinking or total abstinence. After those who pledged the preferred total abstinence began writing “T.A.” on their pledge cards, they became known as “teetotalers.” (4) At least that’s one theory.
But some leaders continued pressing their cause. The American Temperance Society began in 1826. So did the American Temperance Union. They both benefitted from a renewed interest in religion and morality. Within 10 years the former claimed more than 8,000 local groups and over 1,500,000 members. (5) By 1839, 15 temperance journals existed. (6) Simultaneously, many Protestant churches began to promote temperance.