Which statement best defines the temperance movement?

Which statement best defines the temperance movement?

• A. A campaign to promote alcohol production in cities.
• B. A movement to regulate prices of goods during war.
• C. A plan to increase taxes on alcohol only after prohibition.
• D. A widespread effort to reduce the consumption of alcohol.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that the temperance movement aimed to curb drinking across society. It grew from concerns about alcohol’s role in social problems—poverty, crime, domestic violence, and health issues—and united churches, reform groups, and communities in campaigns to reduce or end alcohol consumption. Over time, these efforts culminated in stronger legal measures and, in many places, Prohibition. So the statement describing it as a widespread effort to reduce the consumption of alcohol best captures what the temperance movement stood for: collective action to limit or abstain from drinking. The other statements describe goals that don’t fit what the temperance movement sought. It wasn’t about promoting alcohol production, nor about wartime price controls, nor about increasing taxes after prohibition.

The main idea is that the temperance movement aimed to curb drinking across society. It grew from concerns about alcohol’s role in social problems—poverty, crime, domestic violence, and health issues—and united churches, reform groups, and communities in campaigns to reduce or end alcohol consumption. Over time, these efforts culminated in stronger legal measures and, in many places, Prohibition. So the statement describing it as a widespread effort to reduce the consumption of alcohol best captures what the temperance movement stood for: collective action to limit or abstain from drinking.

The other statements describe goals that don’t fit what the temperance movement sought. It wasn’t about promoting alcohol production, nor about wartime price controls, nor about increasing taxes after prohibition.