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American Protective LeagueThe American Protective League was a World War I-era private organization that worked in conjunction with the Bureau of Investigation to propagandize a pro-war message and to harass and intimidate anti-war citizens and organizations. Formed by wealthy Chicago businessmen, at its height of power the APL had 250,000 members in 600 cities. Officially condoned by the Attorney General, the APL offered financial resources to the Bureau of Investigation, the precursor to the FBI. Although technically a private organization with no legal authority, APL members acted as vigilantes, often violating the civil liberties of American citizens. The APL harassed, detained, surveilled, and arrested citizens associated with progressive, labor, and pacifist movements. In 1918, APL documents showed that 10% of its efforts (the largest of any category) were focused on disrupting the activities of the I.W.W. "Wobblies" labor union. The APL burgled, vandalized, and harassed I.W.W. members and their offices. These anti-union activities were almost wholly illegal and supported by the Wilson administration. External links American Protective League documents John Taylor Gatto - American Protective League Article
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