Second Great Awakening sought to remake society in God's image.
This sentiment extended to civic life with the formation of
thousands of Temperance societies. Successful in reducing
consumption and encouraging stricter state regulation of alcohol.
Lyman Beecher was a famous social activist of the day who was
particularly concerned about the negative impact of alcohol on
society.
Slide 3
In the 1850 engraving, "The Drunkard's Home," a cowering family
in a squalid home is subjected to the whims of a brutal patriarch.
By contrast, the 1850 engraving, "The Temperance Home," depicts a
scene of domestic harmony, order, affection, and material
comfort.
Slide 4
1. According to Beecher, what are the ill effects of alcohol on
the individual, society, and the family? 2. Why does Lincoln praise
the Washington Temperance Society (the "Washingtonians") as a more
effective temperance promotion agency than the old establishment of
preachers and lawyers?
Slide 5
The pair of 1855 illustrations, "Tree of Temperance" and "Tree
of Intemperance," are rich with symbolic and literal depictions of
the consequences of each lifestyle. Identify and list the symbolic
aspects in each of the "Tree" cartoons.
Slide 6
The WCTU fought for prohibition and progressive reform. Frances
Willard was the national president of the union from 1879 to 1898.
Focused on suffrage, the 8-hour work day, prison reform, and the
Social Gospel.
Slide 7
The Anti-Saloon League focused only on the legal prohibition of
alcoholic beverages. Developed modern lobbying techniques. Printed
anti-drinking brochures, appealed to church members for support,
and lobbied both lawmakers and businessmen. Members of the
Anti-Saloon League meet in Chicago.
Slide 8
Member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. Known for
bursting into barrooms, wielding a hatchet or hammer, and smashing
the saloon. Between 1900 and 1910, Nation was arrested some thirty
times for her aggressive tactics. Do you think Carrie Nation's
tactics were justified? Why or why not?
Slide 9
The 18th Amendment was ratified in 1919 and took effect in
1920. The Volstead Act clarified the new rules surrounding
prohibition. President Wilson vetoed the Volstead Act on
constitutional grounds. His veto was overridden by Congress.
Special stamps were required for medicinal liquors under the
Volstead Act.
Slide 10
1. What exceptions to prohibition did the Volstead Act include?
2. What do you think Wilson's rationale for being opposed to
prohibition but supportive of temperance was?
Slide 11
Reaction to Prohibition? Speakeasies (illegal bars) Bootlegging
(smuggling of alcohol)
Slide 12
As you read the Booze Sermon list 3-4 reasons why Billy Sunday
believes in Prohibition.
Slide 13
The sale, transport, and consumption of intoxicating beverages
became illegal. The sale, transport, and consumption of
intoxicating beverages became illegal. Many law-abiding Americans
defied the regulations. Many law-abiding Americans defied the
regulations. The black market for alcohol was a boon for organized
crime. The black market for alcohol was a boon for organized crime.
Detroit police discover a clandestine still
Slide 14
Looking at Statistics and LaGuardia and Federal Council of
Churches readings answer these questions 1. List some arguments for
and against Prohibition. Which side of the debate is most
legitimate to you and why? 2. Compare and contrast Prohibition to
today's War on Drugs. Is the war successful? Why/whynot?
Slide 15
Prohibition was unenforceable. Many deaths occurred from
bootleg liquor. Political corruption increased. Smuggling grew out
of control. During the Depression the potential jobs and tax
revenue from the legalization of liquor increasingly attractive to
struggling Americans. Thus, in 1933, the noble experiment of
Prohibition came to a close with the ratification of the 21st
Amendment Thus, in 1933, the noble experiment of Prohibition came
to a close with the ratification of the 21st Amendment
Slide 16
By 1927 he was earning some $60 million a year from
bootlegging. His gang was like a private army. He had 700 men under
his control. He was responsible for over 500 murders. On 14 th
February 1929, Capones men dressed as police officers murdered 7
members of a rival gang. This became known as the Valentines Day
Massacre.
Slide 17
The enormous profits to be made attracted gangsters who started
to take control of many cities. They bribed the police, judges and
politicians. They controlled the speakeasies and the distilleries,
and ruthlessly exterminated their rivals.
Slide 18
The most famous of the gangsters of the 1920s was Al
Capone.
Slide 19
Gangsters ran bootlegging industries and turned a huge profit.
Unfortunately, they became rivals with other gangs, especially in
big cities, leading to more violent crime.