Title

Progressivism and the History of the Public House, 1850–1950

Abstract

In a recent article, Alistair Mutch suggests that twin concepts - "control" and "interpretation" - explain the evolution of the public house over a century of dramatic changes between 1850 and 1950. These concepts are confusing, ambiguous, and misleading. It was not regulatory pressures, the temperance movement, local politicians, pressure groups, or magistrates that most shaped the history of drinking premises but developments outside the brewing industry, most notably Progressivism. Emerging in the late 19th century, Progressives set out to reform drinkers and drink premises, first in the trust house movement and then in the Liquor Traffic Central Control Board during World War I. Appropriating their ideas and philosophy immediately following the war, England's foremost brewers launched the public house improvement movement, the most far-reaching attempt to transform the nature of public drinking in the 20th century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Cultural & Social History is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Department(s)

History

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.2752/147800307X199065

Keywords

ANGLO-AMERICAN PROGRESSIVISM, BREWING INDUSTRY, Gothenburg system, IMPROVED PUBLIC HOUSES, MITCHELLS & BUTLERS, social reform, SYDNEY NEVILE, W. Waters Butler, Whitbread Brewery

Publication Date

11-1-1994

Journal Title

Cultural & Social History

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