During the 18th Century in Britain, following the Glorious Revolution of 1688, a disturbing new trend appeared in England. A new liquor, gin, emerged as the most popular drink in England. It was cheap and quite stiff; it was also freely available to all subjects, regardless of age, gender, or status. By a 1689 order of the British government, anyone who paid certain taxes could distill it. This further increased the availability of the liquor, leading to widespread inebriation and a decline in moral values. Increasing numbers of parliamentarians and activists called for heavy restriction of the sale of gin, though others praised the drink for its economic properties. Eventually, Gin Acts were passed, incorporating the views of those wishing to restrict the moral downturn.

Many advocates of gin touted its economic value: the liquor was becoming a major product. By 1751, gin production was at 600% of its level at 1701; it...