What was the ultimate goal of the American Temperance Society?

The ultimate goal of the American Temperance Society was to abstain from all distilled beverages. The society, founded in the early 19th century as part of a broader reform movement, sought to address the social problems associated with alcohol consumption, which many believed led to various societal issues such as poverty, family breakdown, and crime. By advocating for total abstinence from alcohol, the society aimed to promote a healthier and more moral society. This goal was reflective of the temperance movement's emphasis on completely eliminating distilled spirits from society rather than merely moderating consumption or finding alternative forms of alcohol production.

Other options are inaccurate because the society did not promote moderate consumption or aim to create a new brewing industry, both of which would contradict its foundational mission. Similarly, the push to legalize all forms of alcohol runs counter to the society's goal of total abstinence from distilled beverages.