Anti-Saloon League

Anti-Saloon League is an American organization that was established in 1893 in Oberlin, Ohio. The league was a key player in the Prohibition movement, which sought to ban the sale and consumption of alcohol in the United States.

History

The Anti-Saloon League was founded by Howard Hyde Russell, a lawyer and devout Methodist. The league was initially a state organization, but it quickly grew into a national movement. The league's primary goal was to advocate for the prohibition of alcohol, which they believed was the root cause of many societal issues, including domestic violence and poverty.

The league was known for its effective use of propaganda, including pamphlets, posters, and newspaper articles, to spread its message. It also lobbied politicians and used its influence to support candidates who were in favor of prohibition.

Influence and Impact

The Anti-Saloon League played a significant role in the passage of the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which established the prohibition of alcohol in 1919. The league's influence was so strong that it was often referred to as the "third house of Congress."

Despite its success, the league faced significant opposition from those who believed in personal liberty and the economic benefits of the alcohol industry. The league's influence waned after the repeal of Prohibition with the passage of the Twenty-first Amendment in 1933.

The Anti-Saloon League's legacy continues to be felt today, as debates over substance use and regulation continue to be a significant part of American political discourse.

See Also

• Prohibition in the United States
• Temperance movement
• Howard Hyde Russell
• Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution
• Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution