Founded by Galician bishops in 1844 and under the strong influence of the parish, the universal sobriety movement led to an improvement in the morality and financial situation of the population. The Austrian authorities agreed to a temperance campaign expecting an increase in rural taxation. However, the shepherds' successes did not have a lasting effect. Priests feverishly tightened sanctions against relapses of alcoholism: they mobilized society against apostates, absolutized the sin of drunkenness and threatened hell, and refused to grant absolution. A new spiritual weapon also appeared - the vow of sobriety, most often absolute sobriety. The quick and mass dissemination of this idea proves the efforts of priests, their influence, and social demand. The local preacher's interpretation of the sobriety commitment meant more than the bishop's promptings. However, the extremes associated with pushing even the most just cause, even with the best intentions of reformers of other people's lives, often harmed it more than helped it.