Why was the Woman's Christian Temperance Union formed?

The Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) was formed in 1874 primarily to advocate for the prohibition of alcohol and to promote temperance as a means of social reform. Its founders believed that alcohol consumption was the root cause of many societal issues, including domestic violence and poverty. The organization also aimed to empower women by providing them with a platform to engage in social activism and influence public policy. Over time, the WCTU expanded its focus to include various social issues, such as women's suffrage and education.