Anti-Saloon League

Definition: The Anti-Saloon League was formed in 1893 in Oberlin, Ohio. It began as a state organization that was in favor of prohibition and in 1895 became a strong influence in the United States. As a non-partisan organization with ties to prohibitionists throughout the country, the Anti-Saloon League announced a campaign for the nationwide prohibition of alcohol. The league used the dislike for saloons by respectable people and conservative groups like the Woman's Christian Temperance Union to fuel the fire for prohibition. In 1916 the organization was instrumental in electing supporters to both houses of Congress so that what would become the 18th Amendment to the Constitution would have the 2/3 majority it needed to pass.