Why Temperance was Popular Among Progressives

The temperance movement, advocating for moderation or complete abstinence from alcohol, gained significant traction during the Progressive Era (1890s-1920s) in the United States. While various factors contributed to its popularity, the movement's alignment with core Progressive ideals played a crucial role. Progressives, driven by a desire for social reform and improvement, found common ground with temperance advocates in addressing issues related to morality, family well-being, and the influence of powerful interests.

Moral Reform and Family Values

At the heart of the temperance movement lay a deep concern for the moral fabric of society, a sentiment shared by many Progressives. Temperance advocates viewed excessive alcohol consumption as a destructive force, leading to poverty, domestic violence, and the erosion of family values. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), founded in 1874, played a pivotal role in propagating this message, particularly among women. The WCTU argued that alcohol abuse directly threatened the stability of the family unit, a cornerstone of a healthy society. By promoting temperance, Progressives believed they could uplift communities and instill a stronger sense of morality.

Protecting the Vulnerable

Progressives also saw temperance as a way to protect vulnerable members of society from exploitation. They argued that saloon owners, often portrayed as greedy and unscrupulous, preyed on working-class men, particularly recent immigrants. Excessive drinking, they contended, trapped individuals and families in a cycle of poverty and despair. By limiting or eliminating alcohol consumption, Progressives hoped to empower these vulnerable groups, enabling them to improve their lives and contribute more fully to society. This concern for the plight of the working class often intersected with efforts to promote social welfare programs and improve working conditions.

Challenging Powerful Interests

The temperance movement's focus on curbing the power of "liquor interests" further resonated with Progressives who were deeply suspicious of monopolies and corporate influence in government. They saw the alcohol industry as a corrupting force, using its wealth to influence politicians and undermine democratic processes. The Anti-Saloon League, founded in 1893, became a powerful political force, effectively lobbying for legislation to restrict or prohibit alcohol sales. This fight against vested interests aligned with broader Progressive efforts to break up trusts, regulate big business, and promote greater government accountability to the people.

Conclusion

The popularity of the temperance movement among Progressives stemmed from its strong connection to key Progressive ideals. By framing temperance as a means to strengthen families, protect the vulnerable, and challenge powerful interests, the movement effectively mobilized support. While the success of Prohibition in the 1920s proved to be short-lived, the temperance crusade underscores the powerful appeal of moral reform and social justice as motivating factors within the Progressive movement.

**Sources:**

Burnham, John C. *Drinking in America: A History*. New York: Oxford University Press, 1987.
McGerr, Michael. *A Fierce Discontent: The Rise and Fall of the Progressive Movement in America, 1870-1920*. New York: Free Press, 2003.