

S3E2: Ready, Willing, and Mabel
10 snips Mar 19, 2025
Discover the fascinating history behind the Prohibition era and the surprising role of the IRS in enforcing it. Hear about Mabel Walker Willebrandt, a trailblazing attorney who faced sexism while navigating the chaotic landscape of alcohol laws. Explore the cultural conflicts of immigrant communities and the impact of societal fears during this turbulent time. The discussion also highlights how these historical events resonate with modern-day dilemmas, offering insights into leadership and personal growth.
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Carrie Nation's Hatchet Crusade
- Carrie Nation, a tall, determined woman, stormed into saloons wielding a hatchet to smash kegs and bottles.
- Her extreme activism made her the iconic "Hatchet Granny" of the temperance movement.
Temperance Began as Self-Control
- Temperance began as a call for individuals to practice self-control rather than strict legal bans.
- This movement focused first on distilled spirits, advocating for temperate alcohol use.
Temperance and Progressive Causes
- Early temperance supporters were progressive, advocating for women's suffrage decades before it became law.
- Many abolitionists and racial equality activists also supported temperance.