Exploring American Histories: Printed Page 343

Document 11.4

Drunkard’s Home, 1850

Temperance societies undertook a variety of activities to publicize the dangers of alcohol. Public lectures, ceremonies, and parades were popular venues, as were newspapers and books. This engraved illustration is from The National Temperance Offering, an 1850 publication of the Sons of Temperance of North America. Founded in New York City in 1842, the Sons of Temperance was one of the oldest temperance organizations in the United States. It was also a mutual aid society that offered members life insurance, funeral benefits, and assistance if they were injured or ill.

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The National Temperance Offering, and Sons and Daughters of Temperance Gift (PS1265.N3 1850), University of Virginia Library

  • Question

    How does the father’s drinking seem to affect the family’s economic situation?

  • Question

    In this illustration, what is the source of the father’s violence?

  • Question

    How does alcohol affect each member of this family?

Put It in Context

Question

What moral arguments did members of the temperance movement use to support their cause?