Gin Craze
Gin Craze
Gin Craze (/dʒɪn kɹeɪz/) refers to a period in the history of England, specifically during the first half of the 18th century, when the consumption of gin increased dramatically. The term is often used to describe the social and economic problems associated with this increase in alcohol consumption.
Etymology
The term "Gin Craze" is derived from the English words "gin", a type of alcoholic beverage, and "craze", which means an enthusiasm for a particular activity or object, reaching a point of obsession. The phrase was coined to describe the excessive consumption of gin in England during the 18th century.
History
The Gin Craze began in the early 18th century, following the introduction of a new method of distilling alcohol known as the continuous still. This method allowed for the production of a purer and stronger form of gin, which quickly became popular among the lower classes in England. The government, seeing an opportunity for increased revenue, encouraged the production and consumption of gin through various laws and regulations.
However, the widespread consumption of gin led to a number of social and economic problems, including increased crime, poverty, and mortality rates. This period of excessive gin consumption is often compared to the modern-day drug epidemics.
Related Terms
- Gin Act 1736: A law passed by the British Parliament in an attempt to curb the consumption of gin.
- Gin Act 1751: A more successful law that effectively ended the Gin Craze by raising the taxes on gin and enforcing stricter regulations on its production and sale.
- Alcoholism: A chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled drinking and preoccupation with alcohol.
- Prohibition: The legal prevention of the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gin Craze
- Wikipedia's article - Gin Craze
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