The Women's Christian Temperance Union

The Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) is a historic organization founded in 1874 in the United States. Its primary goal was to promote temperance, specifically the reduction or elimination of alcohol consumption, due to its perceived negative effects on families and society. The WCTU combined social reform with religious principles, advocating for women's rights, education, and health issues. They played a significant role in the movement that eventually led to Prohibition in the 1920s. The WCTU remains active today, focusing on various social issues, including substance abuse prevention and advocating for healthier communities.