A notable’s fight against drunkenness under the July Monarchy. Henry Philippe Auguste Dutrône and the origins of the Société de sobriété d’Amiens – Nicolas Sueur

This article looks at the creation of the Société de sobriété d’Amiens in 1835 by Henry Philippe Auguste Dutrône (1796-1866), a prominent philanthropist and Royal Councillor at the Court of Amiens. The Société de Sobriété was part of the temperance society movement, which originated in the United States before gradually spreading to Europe in the 1830s. While historians have placed a great deal of emphasis on the anti-alcohol policies implemented in France after the Paris Commune, they have sometimes neglected the first half of the 19th century. This example shows that the elites of the post-revolutionary monarchies did not ignore the problem of drunkenness, which was perceived as a scourge that mainly affected the working class. Dutrône’s dedication to this cause was not entirely disinterested, as he was in search of recognition, both social and political, as a competent member of the up-and-coming bourgeoisie. This article endeavours to show that philanthropic networks played a major role in the development of public health in France, alongside the health professions, politicians and other experts.