Woman's christian temperance union

Temperance organization founded in Cleveland, Ohio in 1874. Campaigning against the use of alcohol and in favor of labor laws and prison reform, the W.C.T.U. became one of the largest and most influential women's organizations of the 19th century. It became global when the World W.C.T.U. was founded in 1883. The organization continued to exist through the 20th century, although membership declined after the passage of the 18th Amendment (Prohibition) in 1919.

From the description of W.C.T.U. banner, circa 1890s. (Cornell University Library). WorldCat record id: 611204274

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