Temperance Images from the 1800s

The temperance movement most likely started shortly after alcohol was first consumed. Chronic alcohol consumption is a bad thing, and during the 1800s it was out of control in many places. To paraphrase Newton’s third law of motion: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Where there was a drinking problem, the Temperance Leagues intervened. Unlike the glossy TV shows of today, like “Intervention”, the 1800s was a time of print graphics. The artists were no less talented than today and they did create some very compelling illustrations. One of my favourites is called Woman’s Holy War, but all of the graphics below are impressive, whether you agree with their message or not.

Don’t forget to check out these great Temperance illustrations from the 1800s, some of the first drinking and driving illustrations and some patent medicine illustrations from the late 1800s, early 1900s.

Liked it? Take a second to support Art of Drink on Patreon!
Become a patron at Patreon!