1900-+1914

In colonial america the abuse of alcohol was considerd unacceptable. As the society grew from a rural into a more urban one, drinking patterns began to change. As the American Revolution approached emerging social problems were often blamed on drunkenness. Social control over alcohol abuse declined, anti-drunkenness laws were relaxed and alcohol problems increased dramatically. In this environment many people began seeking a solution for drinking problems. One suggestion came from Dr. Benjamin Rush. In 1784, Dr. Rush said that the abuse of alcohol was harmful to physical and psychological health (he believed in moderation rather than prohibition). Convinced by Rush's widely discussed belief, about 2000 farmers in a Connecticut formed a temperance association in 1789. Other associations were formed in Virginia in 1800 and New York State in 1808. Within the next decade, more temperance organizations were formed in eight states, some being state-wide organizations.