A temperance meeting, Victorian period

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A temperance meeting, Victorian period

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 32365040

© The Keasbury-Gordon Photograph Archive / Mary Evans

Demonstration Meeting Temperance

EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the spirit of the Temperance Movement during the Victorian era, a time when the call for abstinence from alcohol was gaining significant momentum. The Temperance Movement, which emerged in the early 19th century, aimed to reduce the harm caused by excessive drinking through education and advocacy. The scene depicted in this image is a Temperance Meeting, likely held in an Edwardian-era hall adorned with ornate decorations and large windows that allow the sunlight to filter in. The room is filled with an attentive audience, mostly women, who have gathered to listen to a passionate speaker. The speaker, standing at the podium, holds a banner that reads "Total Abstinence," a clear message of the Movement's goals. The women in the audience wear their Sunday best, reflecting the importance of the occasion. Some hold hymnbooks or Temperance literature, while others listen intently with expressions of determination and resolve. The atmosphere is one of unity and purpose, as these women come together to support a cause that would ultimately shape the social fabric of their communities. The Temperance Movement's influence extended beyond the individual, leading to the establishment of organizations such as the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) and the Prohibition Party. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of a time when collective action and determination could bring about significant social change. The Temperance Movement's legacy continues to inspire us today, as we strive for a world where health, well-being, and community are prioritized over the consumption of alcohol.

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