Fighting an Uphill Battle: Prohibition and the Rhetoric of Sexual Hygiene in Wisconsin

Abstract

This paper discusses the rhetoric used in the movement for prohibition in Wisconsin. It focuses on sexual hygiene rhetoric and how dry forces attempted to use this argument to convince Wisconsin citizens that prohibition would prevent the spread of venereal disease. However, the conclusion is that these types of arguments were unsuccessful in Wisconsin due to other preventative measures already in place. The paper first discusses the fight for prohibition and the role of sexual health rhetoric, then the passage of prohibition. Finally, the immediate defeat of prohibition is discussed in the context of the Matheson Bill and its veto by Governor Blaine.