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Relying primarily on a narrative, chronological approach, this study examines Ku Klux Klan activities in Pennsylvania's twenty-five western-most counties, where the state organization enjoyed greatest numerical strength. The work covers the period between the Klan's initial appearance in the state in 1921 and its virtual disappearance by 1928, particularly the heyday of the Invisible Empire, 1923-1925. This book examines a wide variety of KKK activities, but devotes special attention to the two large and deadly Klan riots in Carnegie and Lilly, as well as vigilantism associated with the intolerant order. Klansmen were drawn from a pool of ordinary Pennsylvanians who were driven, in part, by the search for fraternity, excitement, and civic betterment. However, their actions were also motivated by sinister, darker emotions and purposes. Disdainful of the rule of law, the Klan sought disorder and mayhem in pursuit of a racist, nativist, anti-Catholic, anti-Jewish agenda.
List of contents
Introduction
Chapter 1. The Klan Appears
Chapter 2. Kleagles and Crosses
Chapter 3. The Visible Empire
Chapter 4. It Takes Riots
Chapter 5. Carnegie Aftermath
Chapter 6. Deadly Parade
Chapter 7. Lilly Trials
Chapter 8. Pennsylvania Knights
Chapter 9. Toward A New Klan
Chapter 10. Decline
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
About the author
By John Craig
Summary
This book details extensive Klan activism in western Pennsylvania, 1921-1928, a region where two hundred thousand residents joined the KKK. The racist, nativist organization would be responsible for numerous acts of violence, including two large-scale deadly riots.
