Reform in America: Part I
Changes that “improved” Americaʻs
way of life (1800ʻs)
Reform?
• A “change from the norm (“norm” –
normal. “How it used to be.”).
• A true reform affects the social
(relationship of people), political
(government, law, and politics), and
economics (the way money is made
and spent) of the area of change.
Types of Reform in America. . .
1. Children
2. Women
3. Temperance
4. Slavery
Temperance Movement
ALCOHOL
Temperance Movement
• Temperance definition:
–the practice of always controlling
your actions, thoughts, or feelings
so that you do not eat or drink too
much, become too angry, etc.
–total abstinence from alcoholic
liquors.
Temperance Movement
• It was a social reform/movement
against the consumption of alcoholic
beverages.
• The Movement first started in New
York(1808) and Massachusetts(1813).
• The Temperance Movement was mainly
supported by women.
• “The American Society for the promotion
of Temperance” was created (1826).
Temperance Movement
What caused Americans to drink and abuse
alcohol?
1. After the Revolutionary War, inflation
of goods were difficult for the people
to afford(economic and social issue).
2. Americans now have to create their
own government without the help of
the British (political and social issue).
3. Societal Pressure in Men. They were
the money-makers of the household and
many could not fulfill the expectation.
Temperance Movement
What were the effects of drinking?
• Family abuse
• Crime
• Health Problems
• Unemployment
Temperance Movement
How does drinking affect:
- family abuse
- crime
- health problems
- unemployment?
Plan by yourself, talk to a peer, and discuss with
class.
Temperance Movement
What were the goals of the
American Temperance Society
(1826)?
1. To persuade people to “take the
pledge” and promise not to
drink alcohol.
2. To urge states to pass laws
against the sale of drinking of
alcohol.
Temperance Movement
Results of the Temperance Movement?
1. By 1855, laws in 13 states prevented the
sale or drinking of alcohol.
2. Other states (18 states) repealed the
movement and allowed the sale and
consumption of alcohol.
3. Churches continued the task of the
Temperance Movement.