 The drinking culture of Springfield fed into the pending attacks in two ways.First, though Springfield was somewhat sheltered from the sluggish economy, the Panic did leave more men unemployed or underemployed.Second, many of these men would frequent the saloons, where they would drink daily, binge drink, and abuse alcohol due to mental strain, financial pressure, shame and a feeling of helplessness that they were unable to protect, and provide, for their families.