Fight for Sobriety in Russia at Beginning of 20th Century: Discussion on Low-Alcohol Beverages

Abstract

The problem of alcohol consumption and the struggle for sobriety in Russia in the early 20th century is being investigated. The discussion in government and public circles about the possibility of effectively combating drunkenness by spreading the culture of consuming low-alcohol beverages (primarily beer) among the people is analyzed. The aim of the article is to analyze how viable this idea could have been in the realities of that time. The relevance of addressing this topic is due to the ongoing search in modern Russia for ways to spread the values of a healthy lifestyle among the population in the face of the interests of producers and sellers of various types of alcohol in preserving and increasing their profits. The research methodology is based on the principles of historicism and comparative analysis. Among the sources used are archival materials (from the RGIA funds), press, stenographic reports of State Duma meetings, and journalism. The sources used together allow achieving the set goal. The main result of the research is to clarify the circumstances and reasons for the victory of domestic temperance forces over the “beer lobby” in the 1900s—1910s, the main reason being the unwillingness of the government, society, and the masses to replace strong vodka with beer on a national scale.