Question

what was the primary purpose of the womans christian temperance union when it was founded in 1874? a) to promote racial equality b) to limit foreign immigration c) to ban alcoholic consumption d) to ensure economic opportunity the excerpt below is from a speech by william jennings bryan at the 1896 democratic national convention. having behind us the commercial interests and the laboring interests and all the toiling masses, we shall answer their demands for a gold standard by saying to them, you shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of you shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold

Explanation:

The Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) was a prominent organization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its main focus was on the temperance movement, which aimed to reduce or eliminate the consumption of alcoholic beverages. This was a significant social and moral issue at the time, with many women involved in the movement seeing alcohol as a cause of family problems, domestic violence, and other social ills.

• Option A: Promoting racial equality was not the primary purpose of the WCTU. While some members may have had views on racial issues, it was not the core mission.
• Option B: Limiting foreign immigration was not related to the WCTU's main goals. Immigration was a different political and social issue at the time.
• Option C: Banning alcoholic consumption aligns with the temperance movement's goals, which the WCTU was a part of.
• Option D: Ensuring economic opportunity was not the primary focus of the WCTU. Their efforts were more centered on social and moral reform related to alcohol.

Answer:

C. to ban alcoholic consumption