Final answer:
The temperance revivalists got in trouble due to disagreements within the movement and a loss of momentum for reform. However, the Washington Temperance Society led a new burst of enthusiastic reform efforts. While not completely successful, the temperance movement achieved some victories in terms of dry towns and legislated alcohol bans.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the 1820s, temperance gained ground through the work of Lyman Beecher, a Presbyterian minister. The temperance revivalists called for total abstinence from hard liquor and formed voluntary associations to promote a sober workforce. However, in the 1840s, the temperance movement faced disagreements within the movement and a loss of momentum for reform.
The Washington Temperance Society, formed in 1840, led a new burst of enthusiastic temperance reform. Unlike the early advocates who targeted the middle class, the leaders of this society came from the working class and aimed their efforts at confirmed alcoholics.
The temperance movement had widespread support and millions of supporters. While their efforts were not always successful in completely stopping alcohol consumption, they did achieve some victories in the form of dry towns and counties. One notable legislative victory was Maine's total ban on alcohol from 1851-1856.