The Ku Klux Klan in New Jersey

Abstract

An often overlooked aspect of New Jersey history is that of the Ku Klux Klan activities throughout the state during the 1920s. Driven by a resurgence of anti-immigration rhetoric, the diversity of urban centers, and the general fears of some white Protestant residents of New Jersey, the Klan targeted immigrants, participated in public demonstrations and parades, hosted social events, and attempted to intimidate Catholic politicians in particular. This paper will examine this aspect of New Jersey history by using underutilized sources like the George Moss Collection at Monmouth University’s Murry and Leonie Guggenheim Memorial Library. Hopefully, by understanding the influence the Klan had on local politics, the mistakes of the past can avoid being repeated.