Historical Events tagged with "temperance"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

Alcohol Prohibition Begins in the United States

January 17th, 1920 105 years ago

The Volstead Act came into effect, enforcing alcohol prohibition across the United States. This legislation aimed to eliminate the production, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages. Supported by groups such as the Women's Christian Temperance Union and the Anti-Saloon League, it signified a massive social and political shift in American values and laws regarding temperance. The nationwide ban led to significant changes in social behavior and the rise of illegal activities such as bootlegging and speakeasies.

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Politics & Government

Nebraska Approves Prohibition Amendment

January 16th, 1919 106 years ago

Nebraska became the 36th state to approve the Eighteenth Amendment, which established Prohibition in the United States. This amendment prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. The approval by Nebraska, along with others, reached the necessary three-quarters majority required for constitutional validation. As a result, this marked a significant turning point in American social policy, reflecting the temperance movement’s influence in the early 20th century. The Eighteenth Amendment laid the groundwork for a nationwide ban on alcohol that took effect one year later.

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Politics & Government

Congress Passes the Eighteenth Amendment Resolution

December 18th, 1917 107 years ago

The United States Congress passed a resolution proposing the Eighteenth Amendment, which would establish Prohibition across the nation. This resolution aimed to ban the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors, reflecting the increased influence of the temperance movement in America. The push for Prohibition gained momentum during the early 20th century, driven by social reformers and religious groups advocating for a sober society.

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Politics & Government

Finland's Prohibition Act Approved, Unratified by Tsar

October 31st, 1907 117 years ago

The Parliament of Finland approved the Prohibition Act aimed at banning the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. However, the implementation of this significant legislative decision was stalled as it did not receive ratification from Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, who held the authority over Finland's legislative powers at that time. The conflict between the Finnish Parliament's ambitions and the Russian imperial government underscored the tensions in the Grand Duchy of Finland, where local governance often clashed with imperial priorities.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Carrie Nation Vandalizes Saloon in Kansas

June 7th, 1899 125 years ago

Carrie Nation, a prominent temperance advocate, notoriously wielded a hatchet to destroy alcoholic beverages in a saloon located in Kiowa, Kansas. Armed with her weapon and accompanied by supporters, she initiated her campaign against establishments serving alcohol, expressing her fervent belief that alcohol was a destructive force in society. Nation's actions brought significant attention to the temperance movement and sparked discussions on the role of women in social reform.

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Politics & Government

Prohibition Party's First National Convention

February 22nd, 1872 153 years ago

In Columbus, Ohio, the Prohibition Party convened its inaugural national convention, marking a significant milestone in American political history. Delegates gathered to formalize their agenda against the consumption of alcoholic beverages and to nominate James Black as their presidential candidate. The convention aimed to unify like-minded individuals committed to temperance and to establish a political platform focused on the prohibition of alcohol, which they believed was a societal ill. This event set the stage for future political advocacy around temperance and shaped the discussion around alcohol regulation in the United States.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Thomas Cook's First Package Excursion

July 5th, 1841 183 years ago

Thomas Cook organized a groundbreaking package excursion from Leicester to Loughborough, marking the inception of organized travel. Over 500 attendees participated in the journey, which was designed to promote the temperance movement and leisure travel. The excursion, which utilized a chartered train, provided an affordable way for people to experience travel with a social purpose. Cook's innovative approach to packaged travel would lay the foundation for modern tourism.

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