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 * Father Theobal Mathew**

Criticisms and Goals Father Theobald Mathew's goal was to have everyone abstain from alcohol. He saw alcohol as an evil to all classes. He was furious that drunkenness was so widespread. He thought that by getting alcohol out of the picture, life would be much better. In response to repeated appeals from WilliamMartin, Father Mathew decided to inaugurate a total abstinence movement. On 10 April, 1838, the first meeting of the Total AbstinenceSociety was held in his own schoolhouse.


 * Methods to Improve American Life**

Father Theobald Mathew not only improved American life, he also improved European life as well. Initially, he started in a small courthouse in Cork, Ireland. He then spread out, ad his teachings were adopted quickly. In three months he had enrolled 25,000 in Cork alone; five months later, the number had increased to 130,000. Father Mathew decided to go forth and preach his crusade throughout Ireland. ln Dec., 1839, he went to Limerick and in only four days he gave the pledge to 150,000. In the same month he went to Waterford, where in three days he enrolled 80,000. In March, 1840, he enrolled 70,000 in Dublin. In Maynooth College he won over 8 professors and 250 students, whilst in Maynooth itself, he gained 36,000. In January, 1841, he went to Kells, and in two days and a half enrolled 100,000. After Ireland, Father Mathew moved to England where he gained 600,000 followers in 3 months. Finally, he came to America where he had great success. He visited New York, Boston, New Orleans, Washington, Charlestown, Mobile, and many other cities, and secured more than 500,000 disciples. As you can see, he got in all, over 1.6 million followers to agree to abstain from alcohol consumption. This is astronomical. In America, 500,000 followers became independent from alcohol! That means less drunks, less fights, and an overall better life.


 * Successes**

I pretty uch already summed it all up. Over 1.6 million people followed Father Mathew. He was extremely successful. Not to mention, when the potatoe famine hit, he gave food, money, clothes, you name it, to the cause. This man was full of success, nothing remotely unsuccessful happened to him.


 * Practicality During the Time Period**

Although tons and tons of people followed Father Mathew, his goal of every person abstaining from alcohol was a little far-fetched. Sure, it would have been great, but at that time, too many people enjoyed drinking, it helped the economy, and lots of people saw nothing wrong with it. Although he had over 1.6 million followers, that is only a fraction of the people at the time, so his goals were not very practical at all.


 * Ways the President Could Help**

President Jackson could help Father Mathew by simply spreading his cause. President Jackson could send people accross the US to spread the ideas of Father Mathew. He would just have public assemblies, and talk about the ideas. Maybe, president Jackson could become a pledge himself, and set the example for all the other people so they would follow in his footsteps to give up alcohol.


 * References**

Susan B. Anthony Frances E. Willard Carry A. Nation

All supported Energized study of alcoholism, government regulation, and instruction on alcoholism in schools.

Doctor Sylvester Graham: Was anti-alcohol. Neal Dow-Temperance reformer > **Bibliography** > Knight, Kevin. "Theobald Mathew." //New Advent//. 2009. Web. 6 Oct. 2009. []. "The Temperance Movement." //Travel & History//. Web. 6 Oct. 2009. []. "Theobald Mathew (temperance reformer)." //Wikipedia.com//. 30 Sept. 2009. Web. 6 Oct. 2009. [].