Heavy drinking was widespread in Europe and US on the eve of 20th century.
A VERY large proportion of US males in the 1800s drank all the time. It was considered customary for kids to have beer as well, even at breakfast.
Lots of reasons, one being that often they didn't have access to clean water, and alcohol was considered "healthier". Good series that had a lot of info I didn't know before.
And yes Americans drink WAY less nowadays.