The Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) is the oldest continuing non-sectarian women's organization in the U.S. and worldwide. Founded by Frances Willard in Fredonia, New York in 1874, the group spearheaded the crusade for prohibition. Members advanced their cause by entering saloons, singing, praying, and urging saloonkeepers to stop selling alcohol. Subsequently, on December 22, 1873, they were the first local organization to adopt the name, Women's Christian Temperance Union. Sectarianism is an adherence to a particular sect or party or denomination, it also usually involves a rejection of those not a member of ones sect. ... Image of a woman on the Pioneer plaque sent to outer space. ... An organisation (or organization — see spelling differences) is a social arrangement which pursues collective goals, which controls its own performance, and which has a boundary separating it from its environment. ... For other uses of terms redirecting here, see US (disambiguation), USA (disambiguation), and United States (disambiguation) Motto In God We Trust(since 1956) (From Many, One; Latin, traditional) Anthem The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington, D.C. Largest city New York City National language English (de facto)1 Demonym American... Fredonia (New York) Fredonia is a village in Chautauqua County, New York, United States. ... is the 356th day of the year (357th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1873 (MDCCCLXXIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... An organisation (or organization — see spelling differences) is a social arrangement which pursues collective goals, which controls its own performance, and which has a boundary separating it from its environment. ... For other uses, see Christian (disambiguation). ... A cartoon from Australia ca. ... A union is a legal entity that, unlike a corporation, is governed democratically with one vote per member. ...

History and purpose

The purpose of the WCTU is to combat the influence of alcohol on families and society. Frances Willard, a noted feminist, was its second president. They were inspired by the Greek writer Xenophon who defined temperance as "moderation in all things healthful; total abstinence from all things harmful." In other words, should something be good, it should not be indulged in to excess. Should something be bad for you, it should be avoided altogether; thus their attempts to rid their surroundings of what they saw (and still see) as the dangers of alcohol. The WCTU perceived alcoholism as a consequence of larger social problems rather than as a personal weakness or failing. Thus the WCTU was very interested in a number of social reform issues including: labor, prostitution, public health, sanitation and international peace. As the movement grew in numbers and strength, members of the WCTU also focused on suffrage. The WCTU was very instrumental in organizing women's suffrage leaders and in helping more women become involved in American politics. Suffragists who emerged out of the WCTU used constitutional arguments to support their bid for enfranchisement and cited the Fourteenth Amendment. They claimed that American adult women had the right to vote because they were individuals and were thus entitled to enjoy all the rights of an American individual. By making this argument, suffragists were perceived as less threatening to social order, appealed to American pride and were successful in presenting their message of extending voting rights to all American adults. “Fights” redirects here. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... For other uses, see Society (disambiguation). ... Frances Elizabeth Caroline Willard (September 28, 1839-February 17, 1898) was an American educator, temperance reformer, and womens suffragist. ... Feminism is a social theory and political movement primarily informed and motivated by the experience of women. ... President is a title held by many leaders of organizations, companies, trade unions, universities, and countries. ... A writer is anyone who creates a written work, although the word more usually designates those who write creatively or professionally, or those who have written in many different forms. ... Xenophon, Greek historian Xenophon (In Greek , ca. ... Temperance is the practice of moderation. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... Look up bad in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Alcoholism is the consumption of, or preoccupation with, alcoholic beverages to the extent that this behavior interferes with the drinkers normal personal, family, social, or work life, and may lead to physical or mental harm. ... Whore redirects here. ... Public health is concerned with threats to the overall health of a community based on population health analysis. ... E. Coli bacteria under magnification Sanitation is the hygienic disposal or recycling of waste, as well as the policy and practice of protecting health through hygienic measures. ... A peace dove, widely known as a symbol for peace, featuring an olive branch in the doves beak. ... Amendment XIV in the National Archives The Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution (Amendment XIV) is one of the post-Civil War amendments (known as the Reconstruction Amendments), first intended to secure rights for former slaves. ...

The WCTU created a significant response throughout the United States. In 1878, Matilda Bradley Carse became the president of the Chicago branch. During her time as president, Carse founded many charities and managed to raise approximately $10,000 a year to support them. She started the Bethesda Day Nursery for working mothers, two kindergartens, the Anchorage Mission for erring girls, two dispensaries, two industrial schools, an employment bureau, Sunday schools, and temperance reading rooms. Carse also founded the Woman’s Temperance Publishing Association, a stock company which published written material ranging from books, to brochures and tracks on temperature regarding various social reforms, namely temperance. 1878 (MDCCCLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... Nickname: Motto: Urbs in Horto (Latin: City in a Garden), I Will Location in the Chicago metro area and Illinois Coordinates: , Country State Counties Cook, DuPage Settled 1770s Incorporated March 4, 1837 Government  - Mayor Richard M. Daley (D) Area  - City  234. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article is about the city in the U.S. state of Alaska. ... Sunday school, Indians and whites. ... Temperance may refer to: Temperance (virtue) Temperance movement Temperance (Tarot card) Temperance (band) See also Astrud Gilberto, for the album Temperance This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists pages that might otherwise share the same title. ...

The WCTU also formed in Canada in 1874, in Ontario. In 1885 Letitia Youmans founded a nationwide organization which was to become the leading women's society in Canada's temperance movement. An Australian arm commenced operation in 1882, it was important in both the temperance and women's suffrage movements. Year 1874 (MDCCCLXXIV) was a common year starting on Thursday (link with display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Motto: Ut Incepit Fidelis Sic Permanet (Latin: Loyal she began, loyal she remains) Capital Toronto Largest city Toronto Official languages English (de facto) Government Lieutenant-Governor David C. Onley Premier Dalton McGuinty (Liberal) Federal representation in Canadian Parliament House seats 107 Senate seats 24 Confederation July 1, 1867 (1st) Area... 1885 (MDCCCLXXXV) is a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... An organisation (or organization — see spelling differences) is a social arrangement which pursues collective goals, which controls its own performance, and which has a boundary separating it from its environment. ... Image of a woman on the Pioneer plaque sent to outer space. ... For other uses, see Society (disambiguation). ... A cartoon from Australia ca. ... Year 1882 (MDCCCLXXXII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Friday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... The term womens suffrage refers to an economic and political reform movement aimed at extending suffrage — the right to vote — to women. ...

In 1885, WCTU missionary Mary Leavitt went on a tour of New Zealand and helped establish WCTU branches there. Led by Kate Sheppard from 1887, the New Zealand WCTU was a major force behind the campaign for women's suffrage. This resulted in New Zealand women being granted universal suffrage in 1893.^[1] In April, 1887, WCTU member Susanna M. Salter of Argonia, Kansas became the first woman mayor elected in the United States. 1885 (MDCCCLXXXV) is a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Katherine Wilson Sheppard (10 March 1848 – 13 July 1934) was the most prominent member of New Zealands womens suffrage movement, and is the countrys most famous suffragette. ... Womens suffrage in New Zealand was an important political issue at the turn of the 19th century. ... Elections Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      Universal suffrage (also general suffrage or common suffrage) consists of the extension of the right to vote to all adults, without distinction as to race, sex, belief, intelligence, or economic or social status. ... Year 1893 (MDCCCXCIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Tuesday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... 1887 (MDCCCLXXXVII) is a common year starting on Saturday (click on link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar or a common year starting on Monday of the Julian calendar. ... Susanna Madora Salter (March 2, 1860-1961), U.S. politician, She served as mayor of Argonia, Kansas, becoming the first woman elected as mayor in the United States. ... Argonia is a city located in Sumner County, Kansas. ...

In addition to campaigning against alcohol, the WCTU addressed social ills stemming from drunkenness and domestic violence. It also campaigned for reforms that would improve the status of women in society, such as the right to vote. The WCTU was a major force in Prohibition-and was also influential in creating laws banning prostitution and recreational drugs in the United States. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Social refers to human society or its organization. ... The Drunkenness of Noah by Giovanni Bellini Drunkenness is the state of being intoxicated by consumption of alcohol to a degree that mental and physical facilities are noticeably impaired. ... “Domestic disturbance” redirects here. ... Image of a woman on the Pioneer plaque sent to outer space. ... For other uses, see Society (disambiguation). ... In jurisprudence and law, a right is the legal or moral entitlement to do or refrain from doing something or to obtain or refrain from obtaining an action, thing or recognition in civil society. ... Voting is a method of decision making wherein a group such as a meeting or an electorate attempts to gauge its opinion—usually as a final step following discussions or debates. ... The term Prohibition, also known as A Dry Law, refers to a law in a certain country by which the manufacture, transportation, import, export, and sale of alcoholic beverages is restricted or illegal. ... This article is about law in society. ... Whore redirects here. ... Recreational drug use is the use of psychoactive drugs for recreational rather than medical or spiritual purposes, although the distinction is not always clear. ...

Although the WCTU had chapters throughout North America and had hundreds of thousands of members, it did not initially accept Catholic, Jewish, or African-American women, or women who had not been born in North America^{[citation needed]}. Today that is no longer the case. In fact, today men may also join the organization as honorary members. North America North America is a continent[1] in the Earths northern hemisphere and (chiefly) western hemisphere. ... The word Jew ( Hebrew: יהודי) is used in a wide number of ways, but generally refers to a follower of the Jewish faith, a child of a Jewish mother, or someone of Jewish descent with a connection to Jewish culture or ethnicity and often a combination... Languages Predominantly American English Religions Protestantism (chiefly Baptist and Methodist); Roman Catholicism; Islam Related ethnic groups Sub-Saharan Africans and other African groups, some with Native American groups. ... Image of a woman on the Pioneer plaque sent to outer space. ... Image of a woman on the Pioneer plaque sent to outer space. ... North America North America is a continent[1] in the Earths northern hemisphere and (chiefly) western hemisphere. ... This article concerns how a man differs from women. ...

In contrast to the WCTU's stated aims, not all large-scale Christian groups and movements believe the consumption of alcohol to be inconsistent with practice of Christianity (see Christianity and alcohol). Jesus making wine in The Marriage at Cana, a 14th century fresco from the Visoki Dečani monastery. ...

Current status

The main requirements for joining the WCTU include signing a pledge of abstinence from alcohol and paying membership dues. Abstinence is a voluntary restraint from indulging a desire or appetite for certain bodily activities that are widely experienced as giving pleasure. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Current issues for the WCTU include alcohol, which the organization considers to be North America's number one drug problem, illegal drugs, abortion [1] and gay marriage [2]. The WCTU has warned against the dangers of tobacco since 1875. They continue to this day in their fight against those substances which they see as harmful to society. The WCTU strongly supports banning same-sex marriage, which it sees as a negative influence on families; in general, it is opposed to gay rights [3]. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... An organisation (or organization — see spelling differences) is a social arrangement which pursues collective goals, which controls its own performance, and which has a boundary separating it from its environment. ... North America North America is a continent[1] in the Earths northern hemisphere and (chiefly) western hemisphere. ... Comparison of the perceived harm for various psychoactive drugs from a poll among medical psychiatrists specialized in addiction treatment[1] This article is an overview of the nontherapeutic use of alcohol and drugs of abuse. ... Panamanian motor vessel Gatun during the largest cocaine bust in United States Coast Guard history (20 tons), off the coast of Panama. ... Same-sex marriage is marriage between individuals who are of the same legal or biological sex. ... Shredded tobacco leaf for pipe smoking Tobacco can also be pressed into plugs and sliced into flakes Tobacco is an agricultural product processed from the fresh leaves of plants in the genus Nicotiana. ... 1875 (MDCCCLXXV) was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... For other uses, see Society (disambiguation). ... One of four newly wedded same-sex couples in a public wedding at Taiwan Pride 2006. ... The gay rights movement is a collection of loosely aligned civil rights groups, human rights groups, support groups and political activists seeking acceptance, tolerance and equality for non-heterosexual, (homosexual, bisexual), and transgender people - despite the fact that it is typically referred to as the gay rights movement, members also...

The WCTU publishes a quarterly journal entitled The Union Signal; the journal's main focus is as a digest of current research and information on drugs.[4]. This article is about the journal as a written medium. ...

See also

• Frances Willard
• Mary Hunt
• Scientific Temperance Federation
• Temperance movement
• Ida B. Wise
• Margaret Bright Lucas

Frances Elizabeth Caroline Willard (September 28, 1839-February 17, 1898) was an American educator, temperance reformer, and womens suffragist. ... Mary Hunt (1830-1906) became one of the most powerful women in the United States temperance movement promoting Prohibition of alcohol. ... The Scientific Temperance Federation was founded in 1906 upon the death of Mary Hunt, head of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union’s Department of Scientific Temperance Instruction. ... A cartoon from Australia ca. ... Ida B. Wise (1871-1952) was the primary author of the Sheppard Bill in 1916 that imposed prohibition on Washington, DC. She was president of the Iowa Womans Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) from 1913 until 1933, at which time she became president of the national WCTU. Although National Prohibition... Margaret Bright Lucas (1818–1890) was a temperance activist and suffragist. ...

External links

• WCTU Official Website
• WCTU of Southern California
• WCTU of Australia
• WCTU of Maine
• Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria, Inc.
• The Frances Willard House Historical Association
• Religious Movements Homepage Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU)
• Friends (Quaker) United Meeting: WCTU in Our Heritage
• The Handbook of Texas: WCTU
• Address Before The Second Biennial Convention Of The World's Woman's Christian Temperance Union, by Frances Willard, President (October, 1893)
• Modern History Sourcebook: Woman's Christian Temperance Union: Growth of Membership and of Local, Auxiliary Unions, 1879-1921
• “We Sang Rock of Ages”: Frances Willard Battles Alcohol in the late 19th century, by Frances Willard
• Woman's Christian Temperance Union (Nebraska Chapter) records at the Nebraska State Historical Society
• [5] provides finding aid to article subject from the Special Collections, Washington State Historical Society (WSHS)

The Nebraska State Historical Society is a Nebraska state agency, originally founded in 1878 to It was designated a state institution in 1883, and upgraded to a state agency per 1994 state legislation. ...

References

1. ^ Atkinson, Neill (2003), Adventures in Democracy: A History of the Vote in New Zealand, University of Otago Press, p.89.