Why has the Washingtonian movement failed? - A deep analysis of the early temperance movement

Studienarbeit aus dem Jahr 2013 im Fachbereich Anglistik - Kultur und Landeskunde, Note: 1,7, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: Temperance was one of the most divisive social issues in the 19th century in the United States. Social reformers blamed hard liquor for poverty, illness, family tragedies, immorality, and social and economic instability. They urged individuals to sign a paper in which they confirm to abstain from drinking, and later supported legal action to impose restrictions on the sale of alcohol. In this seminar paper I will focus on the Washingtonian movement as one of the early temperance movements. Although the Washingtonian movement was a innovative movement which grew rapidly, it came to an end just as fast as it grew. Thus, the main purpose of this seminar paper will be to examine the causes of the decline. Furthermore, I will outline the legacy of the Washingtonians and how they have influenced any later movements. In order to do so I will mainly rely on documented statements of contemporary witnesses, but also use secondary literature. First of all I will set the Washingtonian movement in the context of the general temperance cause. Subsequently, I will outline the origins and principles and discuss the rapid rise of the society. On that basis, I will analyse the reasons for the decline and address the heritage of the Washingtonian movement.