Temperance movement in sports: Response to teetotal movement in Bohemian lands

Abstract

The tradition of temperance movement in the Bohemian lands dates back to the early 20th century. It gained momentum after World War I, which was perceived by the movement as a consequence of the decline and the movement sought to prevent any similar conflicts in the future. Its aim was to solve the issue of alcoholism, which posed a serious social and health problem. The movement was based and relied on the knowledge and current trends coming from Western Europe and the U.S. It found support among professionals and laymen alike, often through the prism of religion. The article discusses the temperance movement in the Bohemian lands in the first half of the 20th century. The article traces the movement’s origins and history – especially its acceptance by education and sports associations, clubs and societies. Special emphasis is put on the Sokol organisation and its diverse temperance activities, which were intended to lead its own members to voluntary sobriety and complete abstinence (teetotalism). Such activities were meant to offer an example for the entire nation. The main emphasis is on the Moravian region, which spearheaded the temperance movement and would influence the rest of the Bohemian lands for a long time. It also considers local conditions and the community-wide support, as well as what the entire movement achieved from the times of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the end of the First Czechoslovak Republic. It also looks closely at the interconnectedness and synergies among the various temperance organisations.