Canadian Woman's Christian Temperance Union

Overview

The Canadian Woman's Christian Temperance Union (CWCTU) is a Canadian nonprofit organization part of the international Woman's Christian Temperance Union. It was founded in 1874 with the primary objective of opposing alcohol consumption as a root cause of societal ills. The organization became one of the largest non-denominational women's organizations in Canada by the late 19th century.

History and Impact

The CWCTU played a significant role in promoting social reform and advocating for women's rights, including female suffrage. Letitia Youmans, a founder of a local union in Picton, Ontario, was instrumental in its early development in Canada and served as the first national president from 1885 to 1889. The organization's mission was deeply rooted in Christian principles and aimed to effect change through concerted public efforts[1][2].

By the early 20th century, the CWCTU had gained significant influence, with approximately 16,000 members by 1914. The organization was pivotal in lobbying for liquor control laws at both local and national levels[1][5].

Symbolism and Practices

The White Ribbon Bow was a prominent symbol of the CWCTU, representing loyalty to God, humanity, and country. This motif appeared on publications and was worn by members as a badge of membership, signifying solidarity among "White Ribbon sisters"[5].

Decline and Legacy

Following the end of Prohibition in the 1920s, the CWCTU experienced a decline in membership. Despite this, its legacy continues to influence social reform movements in Canada. The organization remains part of a broader international network, the World's Woman's Christian Temperance Union, which was established in 1883[1][3].

Key Figures

Notable figures within the CWCTU include Mary Doyle, who founded the organization in Owen Sound and contributed significantly to its national presence. Her daughters, Eva and Winnifred, carried on her work, further exemplifying the family's commitment to the cause[5].

The CWCTU's impact on Canadian history is marked by its role in mobilizing women to engage in public life and its contributions to broader social movements. Despite current available information on modern operations, the CWCTU remains an important chapter in Canadian social reform history.