152: The Second Ku Klux Klan: Racism, Anti-Semitism, & Anti-Catholicism in the 1920s
Mar 25, 2024
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Exploring the rise and fall of the Second Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s, targeting Jews, Catholics, and Black Americans. The Klan's political connections, violent actions, and eventual downfall are discussed. Themes of racism, anti-Semitism, and anti-Catholicism, as well as the Klan's influence on Congress and state houses. The podcast also covers the controversial trial of Leo Frank and the Tulsa Race Massacre, highlighting societal tensions and resistance against the Klan's power.
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Quick takeaways
The Second Ku Klux Klan of the 1920s targeted Jews, Catholics, and African Americans, emphasizing political influence over violence.
The Klan's rise in the 1920s was fueled by anti-Semitic sentiments, playing a significant role in national politics and elections.
Despite its temporary political power, the Klan's influence declined due to internal corruption and lack of substantial foundations of hate.
Deep dives
Leo Max Frank's Lynching in 1915
In 1915, the episode delves into the harrowing story of Leo Max Frank, a Jewish man convicted for the murder of Mary Fagan. Despite appeals and a commuted sentence, a mob kidnaps and lynches him, influenced by anti-Semitism and a legal system's failure.
Revival of the Ku Klux Klan
The podcast traces the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan inspired by the film 'Birth of a Nation' and the sensational lynching of Leo Frank. William Simmons resurrects the Klan, leveraging anti-Semitic, racist, and anti-immigrant sentiments to swell its ranks.
Klan's Political Influence
The Klan's astounding political power in the 1920s is showcased through its impact on the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. It achieves substantial control over public officials and elections, including thwarting the nomination of Al Smith, the first Catholic presidential candidate.
Resistance Against the Klan
The episode portrays the spirited resistance against the Klan, notably the clash in South Bend where Notre Dame students confront and disrupt a Klan parade. Despite initial setbacks, the students stand up against the Klan's hateful ideology.
Clan's Decline and Legacy
As the 1920s progress, the Klan's influence rapidly declines due to internal corruption, failing to deliver results, and the shallow foundation of hate. Many associated with the Klan later express shame, with key figures like Hugo Black denouncing segregation.
“Every official except one elected yesterday at the first municipal election of this borough had been endorsed by the Ku Klux Klan.”
This is the story of the Second Ku Klux Klan.
It’s been nearly half a century since the Third Enforcement Act killed off the Klan in 1871. But amid Jim Crow segregation in 1915, the lynching of a Jewish Georgian Leo Frank, coupled with a new film, The Birth of a Nation, inspires William Simmons to resurrect the Klan.
This new Klan has a longer list of enemies. While still opposed to Black Americans fully integrating into American society, this KKK also targets Jews and Catholics. It’s also more politically connected than the first Klan. While Klansmen will participate in violence–including the near annihilation of the Black quarter of Tulsa, Oklahoma–most Kluxers are more focused on politics. As membership swells into the millions, the Klan’s endorsed candidates will win seats in Congress, state houses, and city councils across the nation. Yet, the Klan will come crashing down almost as quickly as it rose in the 1920s. We’ll find out why.