Author:
Craig, John M., 1955- author
Imprint:Bethlehem, PA : Lehigh University Press, c2015.
Descriptionxviii, 226 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.
Note: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.
Bibliography Note:Includes bibliographical references (p. 214-2170 and index.
Note:Relying primarily on a narrative, chronological approach, this study examines Ku Klux Klan activities in Pennsylvania's twenty-eight 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, particularily the heyday of the Invisible Empire, 1923-1925. This book examines a wide variety of KKK activities, but denotes 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. Distainful of the rule of law, the Klan sought disorder and mayhem in pursuit of a racist, nativist, anti-Catholic, anti-Jewish agenda.
