USA: Reasons for Prohibition

One of the groups that supported prohibition, related to the social classes.

The middle class: Blamed debauchery on immigrants and working class.

One of the groups that opposed prohibition.

Urban area, especially in northern states.

What were the effects of alcohol, according to the temperance movements?

Violence, immoral behaviour and breakdown of family life.

Name two temperance movements.

Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), Anti-Saloon League

One of the groups that supported prohibition, related to the motor industry.

Henry Ford and other industrialists: Hangovers decreased worker efficiency.

When was the Anti-Saloon League set up?

1865

When did the WCTU reach its peak membership?

1921

By 1917, how many states had already banned alcohol?

21

How many babies were smothered in bed by drunken parents, according to the reformers?

3000

How many members did the WCTU have at its peak?

344,892

One of the reasons for prohibition related to the First World War.

Many brewers were German. Alcohol ban became political issue as beer became known as "Kaiser's Brew".

One of the groups that supported prohibition, related to domestic abuse.

Reformers: said there was a clear link between alcohol and domestic abuse.

One of the groups that supported prohibition, related to temperance.

Religious groups called temperance movements: Saw alcohol as a sin.