page_title: American Protective League
section_title: Membership and structure
hierarchical_section_title: American Protective League / Organizational history / Membership and structure
caption_attribution_description: English: A membership card in the American Protective League, issued 28 May 1918.
context_page_description: The American Protective League was an organization of private citizens that worked with Federal law enforcement agencies during the World War I era to identify suspected German sympathizers and to counteract the activities of radicals, anarchists, anti-war activists, and left-wing labor and political organizations. At its zenith, the APL claimed 250,000 members in 600 cities.
context_section_description: At its zenith, the American Protective League claimed 250,000 dues-paying members in 600 cities. It was claimed that 52 million Americans — approximately half of the country's population — lived in communities in which the APL maintained an active presence.
  The national headquarters of the APL was established in Washington, D.C., with Briggs installed as the Chairman of the governing National Board of Directors. Charles Daniel Frey, of Chicago, served as the national director of the American Protective League.    
  In addition to its regular geographically-based network, the APL attempted to organize secret units inside factories producing clothing and war materiel, with a view to identification of those advancing "discouraging disloyalty" or engaging in pro-German activities. Suspects would be reported within the APL organization, which would then make use of its broader network in the community to investigate the activities of these individuals after working hours, if deemed so necessary.
caption: An American Protective League membership card
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