Which founding father significantly pushed for the temperance movement in 1784?

Benjamin Rush played a significant role in advocating for the temperance movement, particularly with his publication of "An Inquiry into the Effects of Spirituous Liquors upon the Human Body and Mind" in 1784. In this work, he argued against the consumption of alcoholic beverages, highlighting the negative effects of alcohol on health and society. Rush's medical background and status as a founding father lent credibility to his arguments, positioning him as a key figure in early temperance advocacy.

His push for temperance was part of a broader movement during the 19th century that sought to address issues of alcoholism and its social consequences. Rush believed that excessive drinking led to physical and moral decay, and he advocated for moderation or abstention as a remedy. His emphasis on the scientific and moral implications of alcohol consumption helped lay the groundwork for later efforts in the temperance movement, making his contributions significant in this historical context.