Humankind has had a strong bond with alcohol over the centuries. This has manifested itself in a number of ways. How so?

Answer: Methodists have traditionally steered clear of alcohol. As have Baptists. Then again, both superstar 1960s actor Richard Burton and pre-World War Two comic great W C Fields drank two and a half bottles of spirits every day. That’s, every day. Although, we’re not sure why.

Madame Clicquot said she drank when she was both happy and sad, suggesting she might’ve had a problem. But who are we to criticise the name behind one of the most famous champagne houses. Winston Churchill began each day with a weak Johnny Walker and water and drank throughout the day. Living to ninety, he said “I’ve taken more out of alcohol than alcohol has taken out of me”.

One historian has suggested that King Harold lost the 1066 Battle of Hastings because his men were drunk. Beer was widely consumed in Europe in the middle ages as it was safer to partake of than the water. The United States prohibited alcohol for thirteen years, to make a better society. It may have had its benefits but is largely remembered for giving a boost to organised crime through illegal bootlegging.

Eighteenth century Russian Empress Catherine the Great prohibited men from getting drunk at social events before 9pm. Women couldn’t get drunk at all.

Source: General Historical Texts

More at: History

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