Temperance movement in Russia in 1907-1914: characteristics, stages, significance

The article considers the definition, forms, periods and characteristics of the second abstinence movement in Russia in a peaceful period of 1907-1914. The underlying methodology is based on the works on the evolution of complex systems by the expert in synergetics G.Yu. Riznichenko and on the principles of social movements by the sociologist N. Smelser. Abstinence movement is a social movement against alcohol abuse and in support of preventive and educational activities of national and municipal authorities aimed at production, sale and consumption of alcohol. It is classified as a peaceful reformist social movement. The movement gained momentum after the revolution of 1905-1907. There are three stages within the period under consideration. The first stage is the second half of 1907- late 1909. This is a time of the movement’s downward trend caused by the war, revolution and economic recession in 1904-1908. In spite of an unfavorable situation, it was the time when the issue of alcohol abuse was raised in the III State Duma (M.D. Сhelyshev). The Russian Orthodox Church, the Ministry of Education and the Military Ministry began their educational and preventive activities. Abstinence societies started to recover. The second stage is late 1909-1912 when Petersburg and Moscow hosted the first-ever All-Russian antialcohol congresses and the III State Duma adopted a law on the measures to combat alcohol abuse. These three forums outlined the major directions of the anti-alcohol activity which accumulated energy and information to share with local abstinence societies and gave a boost to their work. The third stage was from 1913 to July 1914. The abstinence movement was becoming more and more popular. Nicholas II was trying to improve the political situation in the country and in early 1913 began to openly support the movement. It was at that time when abstinence societies organized two All-Russian abstinence festivals and national and local authorities took active educational and preventive measures against alcohol abuse. By 1 January 1911 there were 1873 abstinence societies in Russia (excluding Poland and Finland) with about 500 thousand members. Abstinence movement was a natural protection act of the traditional “peasant” society against the alcohol policy of the capital and state. The movement encouraged abstinence, education, contributed to a better cultural level and welfare. With the beginning of World War I the movement declined and then, under the severe conditions of the 1917 Revolutions, ceased to exist. Nevertheless, the achievements of the movement cannot be underestimated as a valuable historic experience and cultural inheritance of the Russian people.

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