Abstinence press in Wielkopolska: “Central Paper on Temperance in the Grand Duchy of Poznań” (1843–1845)

Abstract

Introduction: Between 1843 and 1845 in Wielkopolska, a paper on temperance was published available in both German- and Polish-language versions. Since 1843, the periodical came out as “Central Paper on Temperance in the Grand Duchy of Poznań” (Pismo Centralne dla Sprawy Wstrzemięźliwości w Wielkim Księstwie Poznańskim), though in 1844 it came to be known as “Herald of Temperance in the Grand Duchy of Poznań” (Zwiastun Wstrzemięźliwości w Wielkim Księstwie Poznańskim). Its editor was a German physician La Roche and publisher – the Association for the Suppression of the Use of Vodka in the Grand Duchy of Poznań (Towarzystwo ku Przytłumieniu Używania Wódki w Wielkim Księstwie Poznańskim). This article presents the abstinence movement abroad and in Wielkopolska, anti-alcoholic prophylaxis and the persons with merits in the abstinence movement as discussed in the periodical. Close attention was paid to the editor and publisher of the paper concerned having two titles within the period of 1843 and 1845. Method: In the article an analysis of the content of the press has been applied. Discussion: “Central Paper on Temperance in the Grand Duchy of Poznań”, whose first issue was released in 1843 and in 1844 was continued as “Herald of Temperance in the Grand Duchy of Poznań”, was meant to popularise coping with alcohol abuse in society. The paper initiated the editorial series of abstinence periodicals available in the Polish language in the 19th century.

Keywords

• Alcoholism
• Temperance
• Newspapers
• Wielkopolska
• The 19th century