Drinking Through History... Or Not

A temperance movement is defined thus: a social movement urging reduced use of alcoholic beverages, varying from frowning on excessive consumption, to teetotalism, and sometimes advocating legislative action. Opposition to alcohol has existed in the U.S. for a long time.

• In 1657, Massachusetts made the sale of 'strong liquor' illegal.
• In 1789, some Connecticut farmers wanted to ban the making of whiskey. Within two decades, temperance organizations had formed in ten states. (There were fewer than 20 states then!)
• In the 1800s, women's rights movements often championed temperance, citing the correlation between drinking and domestic violence.
• In 1917, the Anti-Saloon League achieved political results, achieving its main goal with the Senate proposal of the 18^th Amendment: National Prohibition.
• In 1919, it became illegal to sell, manufacture, or transport alcohol in the United States. Enforcing the ban proved to be difficult, and organized crime blossomed. The "Noble Experiment" ended in 1933, with the 21^st Amendment.
• The 21^st Amendment gives the states the right to restrict the sale of alcohol, which is why you can buy alcohol in some cities but not others. There are over 500 dry counties in the U.S, mostly in the South.