Every summer I visit Calumet, Michigan. At one time it was the center of the copper boom with a growing immigrant population. Both of my grandfathers emigrated from Finland and worked in the copper mines. I know that Calumet had many bars to serve the immigrant workers.
So it is with interest that I am reading Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition by Daniel Okrent. The saloons and bars were a place of escape for men working long hours in menial tasks.
That the proliferation of saloons was abetted by immigrants (usually German or Bohemian), largely for immigrants (members of those nationalities, but also Irish, Slavs, Scandinavians and many, many others), was not lost on the moralists of the WCTU [Woman’s Christian Temperance Union].*
The wellbeing of women and children was affected when a husband spent his paycheck on alcohol.
Various groups came together in a fight against drunkenness, supporting prohibition. The WCTU, the Anti-Saloon League and the Suffragettes joined together in the battle against alcohol consumption. I wonder if a fight for better working conditions might have helped men and their families—less use of alcohol?
In response the brewers and distillers organized against Prohibition and Women’s Suffrage. Women’s Suffrage became a target because the brewers believed that women would vote for Prohibition.
In 1906 a state suffrage amendment in Oregon was defeated when the brewers secretly enlisted Oregon’s saloonkeepers and hoteliers in an elaborate get-out-the-vote operation. Secrecy also prevailed when the USBA [Brewers Association] paid the nationally known suffragist Phoebe Couzins to repudiate her previous position . . . *
It is interesting to me that Finland gave women the vote in 1906 and the Netherlands in 1917. The United States did not give women the vote until 1920.
What a tangled web we weave as humans when we try to solve social problems. The money involved makes it more complex. Until 1913 when the income tax was instituted, the government depended on revenue from liquor sales.
In the New Testament Jesus does not confront government practices or politics. Instead he asks his followers to be a light to a confused and chaotic world.
You are the light of the world. Matthew 5:14
Jesus also prays for his followers.
I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. John 17: 14-15
In this election year I see the need to spend more time in prayer, seeking God’s guidance. I can rest in the knowledge that Jesus is interceding for his people.
*Okrent, Daniel, Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition, New York; Scribner, 2010, pp. 26, 65
Linking with Word of God Speak, Weekend Whispers, Sitting Among Friends and Faith Filled Friday
I love this perspective! You are right we get so caught up in trying to solve all the worlds problems that we forget to shine our light. Pointing the world to Christ is our calling, not sorting out all the worlds problems. http://www.battlereadyprincess.com/confessions-of-a-recovering-politics-junky/
I enjoyed the history lesson and always our perspective should be to pray.
Blessings,
Dawn
History and man’s attempts to make things “better” interests me more now than ever before. I too feel the need to ask for God’s guidance this election year!
Didn’t know Finland was the first where women could vote. You tackled a very difficult subject, but you’re right Jesus made it clear we need to pray for government and leaders,
Am looking forward to see you back on Monday, March 14 – Wed.16, US time wih one of your beautiful images for Seasons! It’s a delight having you being a part – see you there:)
So true. We are called to be a light. I am praying to in this political season that Church become a light for truth. I love Mr. Graham’s movement. I think it is even more crucial we as Christians pray for our nation.