The American Temperance Society was founded in 1826 in the United States to promote the reduction and elimination of alcohol consumption. It aimed to address the social issues related to alcohol abuse, such as family problems and poverty. The society encouraged individuals to pledge abstinence from alcoholic beverages and sought to educate the public about the dangers of drinking. The movement gained momentum in the 19th century, leading to the formation of various local temperance organizations. It played a significant role in the broader Temperance Movement, which eventually contributed to the establishment of Prohibition in the 1920s, banning the manufacture and sale of alcohol in the U.S.