 Initially, the temperance movement in Canada, which began in the 1820s, was largely concerned with the consumption of strong liquor, while beer, wine, and cider were not considered to be a significant problem.However, by the 1840s, "total abstinence" temperance societies were the norm, and all alcoholic beverages, including those with lighter alcohol content, were considered dangerous.Inspired by the Maine Law of 1851, which saw legal prohibition in the state of Maine, the temperance movement in Canada shifted to the strategy of legal coercion to advance the cause of sobriety.