In post-Revolutionary War America, alcohol continued to be both an important part of the culture, and a catalyst for major events. One of these was the 1794 Whiskey Rebellion, in which a group of rural distillers living in western Pennsylvania took up arms against the federal government. The driving force behind the rebellion was the government’s attempt to enforce a law establishing an excise tax on whiskey.
13,000 federal troops easily quelled this rebellion. However, the whiskey industry would be one of the many growth stories of the 19th century. From humble beginnings in rural Pennsylvania and Kentucky, the American whiskey trade grew into an enormous business. The years from 1860 to 1900 were particularly notable in this expansion. Several leading distilleries that continue to produce whiskey to this day were founded during this 40-year period. The 19th century was also a time of explosive growth for the beer industry. Between 1850 and 1873, the number of breweries in America shot up from just 431 to 4,131.
By the late 19th century, however, attitudes toward alcohol in America began to shift. This was thanks in large part to the Temperance Movement. This movement argued that alcohol was to blame for a host of moral and social problems afflicting an increasingly urban American population. Temperance groups worked to influence both public opinion and political action by holding rallies and distributing anti-alcohol literature. The movement achieved success in 1919, when the 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution banned the making and selling of alcohol nationwide.
This amendment ushered in the era of Prohibition, which its advocates hoped would put an end to America’s alcohol use. Instead, a now legendary period of gangsters and speakeasies ensued, supplying the population with illegal “bootleg” liquor. It seemed that booze could not be stamped out of American culture. Prohibition did not last past the end of 1933.
Since the end of Prohibition, America has continued its long-standing love affair with alcohol. Today, approximately 73 percent of the adult American population consumes it. Tastes, however, continue to evolve. American consumers are increasingly turning to craft beers and small-batch whiskeys over the mass-produced beverages that were more popular 30 years ago. And, particularly in the case of beer, the US alcohol industry is inclining toward higher alcohol concentrations.
Around Independence Day, it can be fascinating to look back at how beers, wines, and spirits contributed to American history. At the same time, it’s important to remember that drinking can have health risks, especially in excess. While early American settlers may have drank consistently, we now know much more about alcohol’s impact on the brain and body. We also have cleaner drinking water and higher life expectancies!
At the end of the day, unless you’ve quit drinking, moderation is the best way to celebrate this holiday. There are some good rules to keep in mind, including keeping off the roads (or water) if you’ve had too many, and staying on top of hydration in the summer heat. And if you’ve been feeling like you’d like to cut back more generally, there are programs like Ria Health that can help you do that on the terms that work best for you.
Otherwise, should you choose to drink this Independence Day, raise a toast to our founders and enjoy responsibly!
Will insurance cover treatment? Verify Coverage
Have Questions? Call (800) 504-5360