From Royal Weddings to Riots

Alcohol has played a significant role in various historical events, sometimes shaping outcomes in unexpected ways. From wild parties to drunken mishaps, these stories offer a glimpse into the intriguing connection between alcohol and history. In this blog post, we'll explore ten such events that were influenced by alcohol, providing a fascinating perspective on the past.

Let's begin with number 10, the wedding of George IV. In 1794, the engagement of George IV to Carolina Brunswick was announced, but the prince wasn't thrilled about it. He was already married technically and preferred a carefree life of indulgence. However, his debts forced him into a marriage of convenience. On the wedding day, George was so intoxicated that he had to be carried up the aisle, slurring his vows and even crying. It was an awkward and unforgettable event, highlighting the impact of alcohol on significant occasions.

Moving on to number 9, we have the eggnog Riot at West Point. Alcohol was strictly prohibited at the military academy, but cadets often found ways to smuggle it in. In 1826, during a Christmas party, the cadets indulged in eggnog, leading to a riot. The festivities escalated into violence, with cadets arming themselves and trashing the barracks. The aftermath left many hungover and regretful, including future president Jefferson Davis.

Number 8 takes us back to 1520 and the "Field of the Cloth of Gold" summit. King Henry VII of England and King Francis I of France organized a lavish two-week event to showcase their wealth and opulence. Amidst the feasts, music, and games, King Henry, fueled by wine, challenged King Francis to a wrestling match, resulting in a memorable clash between the two monarchs.

Next, we turn our attention to Andrew Jackson's inauguration in 1829. After being sworn in as the seventh president of the United States, Jackson invited the public to a reception at the White House. The event quickly turned chaotic as a massive crowd, intoxicated by alcohol, flooded into the presidential residence. The scene descended into disarray, with broken furniture, shattered dishes, and muddy footprints. President Jackson himself had to escape through a window to find refuge.

Our fifth event takes us back to the signing of the United States Constitution in 1787. As the delegates gathered in Philadelphia, they celebrated the historic occasion with an extravagant night at a local tavern. The bill from that evening lists an astonishing amount of alcohol consumed, including wine, whiskey, beer, cider, and punch. This memorable celebration showcased the framers of the Constitution enjoying their newfound freedom with a spirited toast.

Now, let's explore how alcohol played a role in George Washington's entry into politics. After his military success, Washington pursued a political career, running for a seat in Virginia's House of Burgesses in 1755. This venture into politics was influenced by his reputation and the connections he made through social drinking. Alcohol served as a catalyst, opening doors for Washington and propelling him toward his future role as a founding father.

These are just a few examples of historical events where alcohol played a crucial role. From royal weddings and riots to political milestones, alcohol has left its mark on our collective history. It serves as a reminder that while alcohol can enhance joyous occasions, its excessive consumption can lead to unpredictable outcomes.

The October Revolution: The October Revolution in 1917 marked a crucial turning point in Russian history, leading to the rise of the Bolsheviks and the formation of the Soviet Union. The revolution began on November 7, 1917 (October 25th in the old calendar) in Petrograd, now known as Saint Petersburg, when the Bolshevik red guards captured the Winter Palace.

However, the revolutionaries encountered a unique challenge: they had also seized the largest private wine collection in the world housed in the palace. As Bolshevik leader Vladimir Lenin believed that the riches of the aristocracy belonged to the working class, he couldn't deny access to the wine. This led to a massive consumption of alcohol by the people of Petrograd, resulting in drunken mobs, looting, and street violence. The situation became so chaotic that martial law was eventually imposed, and it took weeks for the booze to finally run out.

Lincoln's assassination: The assassination of President Abraham Lincoln is a well-known moment in history, and alcohol played a role in the events surrounding it. John Wilkes Booth, the assassin, visited a saloon near Ford's Theater before the assassination and had a couple of drinks to strengthen his resolve.

On the other hand, George Atzerodt, who was tasked with killing Vice President Andrew Johnson, also went to a saloon but found that alcohol had the opposite effect on him. He spent the night drunkenly roaming the city instead of carrying out the planned assassination. Additionally, Officer John Frederick Parker, the Washington cop assigned to protect the president, decided to leave his post during the intermission and have drinks at a nearby saloon. His absence may have had implications for Lincoln's security.

The burning of Persepolis: In the mid-4th century BC, Alexander the Great invaded the Achaemenid Empire and captured the Persian city of Persepolis in 330 BC. When Alexander and his troops entered the city, it was a magnificent metropolis. However, when they left, it was reduced to smoldering ruins. Ancient historians agree that Alexander and his men were drunk when they burned Persepolis. They had celebrated their victory by looting, feasting, and consuming alcohol. One historian, Diadorus Siculus, points to a woman named Thais, an Athenian, who goaded Alexander during the festivities, suggesting that destroying Persepolis would be a significant achievement. This peer pressure, akin to a dare, may have influenced Alexander's decision to burn the city.

The rise of Agriculture: The rise of agriculture is considered a crucial factor in the development of early human societies and civilizations. Instead of relying solely on hunting and gathering, humans began growing crops and using them to create various products. While the traditional belief is that grains were initially domesticated for bread, the "beer before bread" hypothesis suggests that early humans may have used grains for brewing beer before utilizing them for bread. This theory, which has gained acceptance among some archaeologists, suggests that the intoxicating effects of alcohol played an important ceremonial role in early societies. The Natufian culture from the Levant holds the record for the oldest evidence of man-made alcohol, with stone mortars dating back 13,000 years that were used for brewing beer. It is believed that they consumed the beer during ritual feasts, possibly to honor the deceased.

We conclude by exploring the fascinating idea that beer may have played a crucial role in the development of civilization as we know it. The Agricultural Revolution, characterized by the shift from hunting and gathering to cultivation and domestication, led to the formation of the earliest human societies. While the traditional narrative focuses on grain being domesticated for bread, the beer before bread hypothesis suggests that beer production and consumption may have preceded the use of grains for bread.

This hypothesis, although not yet proven, has gained increasing acceptance over the past 60 years. The intoxicating effects of alcohol may have given beer an important ceremonial role in early societies, potentially influencing social and cultural development. The Natufian culture from the Levant holds the current record for the oldest evidence of man-made alcohol, with 13,000-year-old stone mortars used for brewing beer. This suggests that beer had ritualistic significance, potentially used in ceremonies to honor the deceased.