Why did some Hoosiers join the Ku Klux Klan during the 1920s?
During the 1920s, several factors contributed to the rise and popularity of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in Indiana, leading some Hoosiers to join the organization. These factors include:
1. Fear of Immigrants: The influx of immigrants, particularly from Eastern and Southern Europe, sparked nativist sentiments among certain Hoosiers. Many feared job competition and believed that non-white immigrants threatened the Anglo-Saxon, Protestant identity of the country. The KKK capitalized on these fears and presented themselves as defenders of white, native-born Americans.
2. Anti-Catholicism: Indiana had a historically large Catholic population. The KKK exploited anti-Catholic sentiments, claiming that the Catholic Church embodied a foreign influence seeking to undermine American values. The KKK portrayed themselves as protectors of Protestantism and supporters of American ideals.
3. Prohibition: The prohibition of alcohol during the 1920s led some Hoosiers to join the KKK. The KKK presented themselves as advocates for temperance and law enforcement, targeting those involved in the illegal liquor trade. This made the KKK popular among individuals who believed in a strict enforcement of prohibition laws.
4. Political Influence: The KKK successfully infiltrated politics during this period, gaining support from politicians who sought their endorsement. The KKK's influence allowed them to effectively control state and local government offices. Many Hoosiers joined the KKK to gain political connections and access to power.
5. Social Factors: The KKK offered a sense of belonging and community to its members. The organization hosted social events, including parades, picnics, and cross-burnings, which created a sense of camaraderie among its supporters. Some Hoosiers joined the KKK to feel a part of something larger and to be part of a social group that offered them a sense of identity.
It is important to note that not all Hoosiers supported or joined the KKK during this time, and there were also individuals and groups who actively opposed the KKK's ideology and actions.