The Ku Klux Klan in Orange County, Florida Post World War II and their Policing of the White Segment of the Population

Abstract

The majority of the study of the Ku Klux Klan tends to focus on regions considered to be a part of the "Deep South". Traditionally, Florida is not considered to be a part of this region because of its reputation as a tropical, tourist destination. However, Florida shares many commonalities with the "Deep South" states; including the long established presence of the Ku Klux Klan within its borders. However, little is known about the full extent of Klan activity in Florida due to the secrecy of the organization. Nevertheless, the few documents that do exist concerning the Ku Klux Klan in Florida confirm that the organization was a prevalent force in the state's history. This study explores the Ku Klux Klan and their policing of the white community in Orange County, Florida post World War II The Ku Klux Klan is commonly known as a white supremacist organization that primarily targets non-white victims. However, the Ku Klux Klan also regulated Euro-Americans in Orange County based on principals of religion and morality. The history of the Ku Klux Klan explains why the organization targeted certain groups within society. The majority of the official records concerning the Klan's regulation of the white community in Orange County are limited to the FBI investigation of the death of Harry T. Moore in 1951. It is important to understand that the Ku Klux Klan is an integral part in the history of Central Florida despite the fact that Florida is not considered to be a part of the "Deep South". The presence of the Ku Klux Klan affected all members of the community. Realizing the role of the Ku Klux Klan in Central Florida post World War II helps to better understand that Florida, at one time, was a part of the ''Deep South".

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2006

Semester

Summer

Advisor

Adams, Carole

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree Program

History

Subjects

Arts and Humanities -- Dissertations, Academic; Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Humanities

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0022001

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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