Rum

While the serving of a spirit ration to the sailors of the Royal Navy had long been a custom, in the climate of Edwardian Britain it was no longer one that commanded universal public support. The temperance movement was a strong political force and a major source of pressure for reform. Equally, within the Navy there was widespread recognition that the rum ration was a barrier to optimal crew efficiency, caused drunkenness and indiscipline, and would be a significant handicap in a war with Germany. Accordingly, once appointed First Lord of the Admiralty, Churchill sought to encourage temperance by increasing the allowance to those who chose to forgo the spirit ration. The cost of this was prohibitive and Churchill was forced to consider other less expensive measures, one of which was introduced on the eve of war in 1914.