The Ku Klux Klan in Wisconsin in the 1920s

Abstract

The First World War brought about drastic changes in the United States militarily, politically, and socially. The upheaval brought about by that period gave rise to the Ku Klux Klan throughout the country. The Klan considered itself a reform movement promoting 100 per cent Americanism, separation of church and state, Protestant fundamentalism, White supremacy, anti-Catholicism, and anti-Semitism. The Klan was brought to Wisconsin in 1920 and after a rather slow start, it enjoyed some success in the years 1923, 1924, and 1925. Because of poor leadership, a shortage of issues, and a growing resentment against hate speakers, the organization failed. By 1925 the Klan was having membership problems and by 1928 it was almost nonexistent.