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C) The Temperance Movement: A Historical Journey Toward Sobriety and Social Reform The Temperance Movement stands as one of the most influential social reform efforts in American and global history. With roots stretching back to the early 19th century, this grassroots campaign sought to reduce or eliminate the consumption of alcohol, driven by moral, health, and social justice concerns. Far more than a simple anti-drinking campaign, the Temperance Movement reshaped public policy, endangered lives, inspired lasting cultural change, and continues to inform modern discussions about addiction, personal responsibility, and societal reform. ### Origins and Early Growth The roots of the Temperance Movement emerged during a period of rapid social transformation. In the late 1700s and early 1800s, alcohol consumption—especially rum, whiskey, and beer—was deeply embedded in everyday life, often consumed openly in homes, workplaces, and public spaces. However, growing awareness of alcohol’s destructive effects on families, workplaces, and public health spurred reformers to take action.