 |
| Cleveland Marine Total Abstinence Society. Abstinence Pledge. Cleveland, 1845. |
During the temperance movement in the early to mid 19th century, people all over America began to reform society from alcohol. Many groups were formed that believed in abstinence from alcohol, and they spread their beliefs all over the country. In this primary source, a temperance society in Cleveland, Ohio made a pamphlet on which the members of the group signed their names to pledge their abstinence from alcohol. This group, like many other groups of that time period, strongly believed that society would be more productive if people refrained from drinking alcohol. This source was created for people to use if they thought they would live a better life without drink. The people that signed this document wanted to be free from the troubles caused by alcohol, but some people wanted to continue drinking despite efforts from groups like this that wanted to take away alcohol entirely. Amelia Bloomer and Neal Dow were two reformers during the temperance movement in the mid to late 19th century, and although they had many followers, thousands of people didn't believe in temperance and refused to take part in the reform movements. The author of this primary source is trying to convince the people of Cleveland that abstinence from alcohol will help society as a whole because the behavior of citizens will be greatly improved. The author says in this pamphlet that some "fruits of temperance" are "domestic comfort," and "peace and plenty." Some "fruits of intemperance" are "ruin of families," and "poverty in its worst forms." The Cleveland Marine Total Abstinence Society certainly believes in abstinence of alcohol, and wishes that all members of Cleveland would refrain from drink in order to have more enjoyable lives.
