Summary:
This paper examines the progress of venereal diseases in the USA and the efforts to eliminate them from 1880 to 1943. The first part of the paper focuses on the Progressive Era (1880-1920) and discusses the roots of the social hygiene movement and the founding of the ASHA, the link between this movement and the eugenics movement, Prince Morrow's contribution, the medical developments for disease control, the medical confidentiality issue, ASHAs actions, exhibitions and brochures, sex education programs outside and within schools, the efforts to eliminate prostitution and the most important legislative initiatives to address the venereal problem, as well as the First World War program. The second part of the paper focuses on the period from the end of the progressive era to the beginning of the Second World War, and discusses issues concerning venereal diseases and the new ethics, legislative initiatives, the media response to the problem and Thomas Parran's campaign. Finally, the third part of the paper analyzes the venereal control program during the Second World War.
Keywords:
venereal disease, social hygiene movement, United States, ASHA, prostitution
