Anti Saloon League of America

  

Image of Prohibition Era Speakeasy Now Popular NYC Restaurant.  ABC News, ABC News Network, Darcy Bonfils and Imaeyen Ibenga October 28, 2008.   

     Prohibition came into being with the ratification of the 18^th Amendment to the Constitution. It was largely due to the work of one organization, The Anti-Saloon League of America, and was aided by the Temperance Movement . With the passage of Prohibition, the civil rights of Americans were violated. Prohibition and the Anti-Saloon League infringed on the civil rights of Americans when the government took away the citizens’ rights to drink alcohol and keep their own liquor.

     The Anti-Saloon League of America came into prominence at the beginning of the 20^th Century. They were the major force behind the protest against drinking in United States and ultimately led to Prohibition and the 18^th Amendment. At the turn of the century, alcohol production was exploding. Modern technology had enabled the easy transportation of goods and the numbers of saloons significantly increased. There were organizations and people that saw the rise in the consumption of alcohol as a result of moral decline. Many Americans thought that this decline was due to alcohol consumption and the facilities that sold and served alcohol. As such, the Anti-Saloon League was established with an aim to close saloons and bars and promote moderate drinking, if not total elimination of alcohol consumption. And although supported by members and churches, the Bible has instances where the consumption of alcohol is not forbidden. The Gospel point of view seems to suggest drinking in moderation is fine, as long as an individual does not drink so much so as they become drunk. Therefore, the morality angle saying that drinking is ungodly, cannot use the Bible and God as an excuse to violate civil rights.

     The Anti-Saloon League of America had its origins from the Anti-Saloon League formed in 1893 in Ohio. It was formed by Howard Russell, a congregational minister. Then in Washington D.C, the Temperance Movement, which promoted moderation or total abstinence of alcohol, formed its own Anti-Saloon League. In 1895, these two organizations came together to form a national organization that became known as the Anti-Saloon League of America. The Ohio division of the Anti-Saloon League used propaganda to support their dry cause and it became an effective tool for them to garner national support. In 1909 the league moved, and operated the American Issue Publishing Company which produced the magazine The American Issue and other educational resources such as pamphlets, books, fliers, and leaflets in the fight against alcohol consumption and was dedicated to spreading this propaganda. This propaganda was key in maintaining memberships in the league and was largely targeted toward women, children and families. They designed their resources to prey of the emotions of these individuals, leading Americans to overlook the infringement of citizens’ rights in order to protect the safety of children and shield the public from the negative affects alcohol had on marriages and families.

     Originally its biggest supporters were the Protestant Evangelical Churches. However, they soon began recruiting democratic and republican party members to support Prohibition and were completely nonpartisan in their approach. They targeted the candidates based on their views on prohibition rather than their political party affiliation. The protest against alcohol consumption was at its peak during the early part of the century from the 1900’s-1920’s. This was largely due to the Anti-Saloon League of America and its work.

     In its earlier years, the league concentrated on passing anti-alcohol laws in local communities. But as the movement became more prominent and gathered supporters, they began a nationwide effort to pass Prohibition. The key event in the push was in 1913 when the league sponsored a parade in Washington D.C. After the parade’s conclusion, the league superintendent gave Congress an amendment to the constitution. This eventually became the 18^th Amendment.

     With the onslaught of WWI, Prohibition gained support when the league published Anti- German sentiments, as many brewers were German. A strong force in the early 20^th Century American politics, it was able to crusade its cause with the help of the church and politicians. Between their efforts to promote morality and patriotism, eventually the 18^th Amendment was passed and ratified in 1919.

     Once prohibition went into effect, the Anti-Saloon League lost support as members of the Temperance Movement thought the fight was over and there was no longer a need for the league. Additionally, financial support fizzled as well. Due to declining memberships, the anti-temperance movement gained ground and was eventually able to get the 21^st Amendment ratified in 1933, thus ending prohibition. With this legislation, the Anti-Saloon League folded, and the organization eventually merged with other groups to become the National Temperance League. Finally, in 1964 it became the American Council on Alcohol Problems.

     Fortunately, once prohibition passed, Americans saw the consequences of the passage of the 18^th Amendment. Illegal gambling, speakeasies, and the rise of crime due to bootleggers created many problems. According to the 18^th Amendment, it was illegal to sell, manufacture, and transport alcoholic beverages.  Due to the government’s infringing on the rights of its citizens, whether they agree with it morally or not, it is a detriment to its citizens and contributed to their oppression by criminals taking advantage of them.