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The aim of this study is, in a narrow sense, to analyze organizational principles and practices concerning the breakthrough and institutionalazation of a State alcohol policy, connected with the introduction of temperance interests and organizational ideals in Sweden during the 1800s. But it is not these issues in themselves that are at stake, but rather different models and modes for organizing the whole of society.

The analysis centers on the organizing of the alcohol trade from the late 1700s and up to 1900, the growing fears and insights in an alcohol and drinking problem during roughly the same period, what organizational choices that were made and the introduction of voluntary associations as a mode of solving it. Finally a discussion takes place concerning the rapid decline of voluntary associations during the second half of the Century, in the light of the growing mass organizing of temperance in Sweden.