WCTU And Prohibition

The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was devoted to bringing prohibition to the United States in order to protect the women and children of America from the repercussions of alcohol. The WCTU was conceived in November of 1874 due to the newly established habits of the men of America (Woman’s). Having the capable leadership of the founders, the WCTU spread quickly. In a miniscule span of time, the women made a significant impact which pressed the borders of their home country, threatening to bubble over to those countries which faced like oppression. The lasting effects of their efforts still linger in the present society in which the conflicts dealt with by these women are prominently evident today. Thick in the Civil War in which brother
This small feat was considered an enormous leap in the women’s eyes and this accomplishment was doubled in 1910 when a total of ten states pronounced themselves as dry. The epitome of the WCTU’s efforts was when the United States government passed the 18th amendment, which was the prohibition amendment (Woog). This amendment made all alcohol illegal in the United States. Having years of struggle rewarded with a Constitutional Amendment bolstered the WCTU’s spirits. However, celebration was short lived as the 21st Amendment, which repealed the 18th, was passed in 1933. Though the main goal had not been reached, the WCTU achieved other milestones along their journey. In 1901, all schools implemented alcohol safety programs by order of the state (National). Outside of the United States, the WCTU founded 6,023 local unions with the help of WCTU member Mary Clement Leavitt (WWCTU). This came to be known as the World Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. For example, in 1886, the South Australian branch was established and expanded to 39 different departments by 1899 (Margaret). Also, the Canadian chapter was founded in 1874 in Ontario. The Montreal branch came about in 1887 (McCord). With the expulsion of the 18th amendment, many of the members’ spirits were deflated. After 45 years of troubles and trials posed by the overwhelming alcohol supporters, the WCTU accomplished
They have 500,000 members in 72 countries (McCord). When formed, the organization was devoted towards bringing total prohibition to the United States. However, the group has redirected the goal and is now focused more on alcohol and drug awareness. They are “dedicated to educating young people about the harmful effects of alcohol and work to build support for total abstinence”(Prof. David). Alcohol and drug abuse has a significant impact on the younger generation of today, whether the child themselves has the problem or the adult. Focusing on the younger generation allows the WCTU to influence an entire generation instead of sporadically approaching all ages and reaching a limited amount of people. As the population of the WWCTU increased, the traditions of the group altered to include all. Today, every member prays “each day during noontime, which means there is a continuous circle of prayer occurring daily around the world”. Slowly incorporating these new methods of presentation, the WCTU is enhancing their viewpoint, as their motto states, “For God and Home and Every Land”