The Political Implications of Fraternal Orders in the United States, 1876-1920

• In Event: Political Organizations and Parties in Historical Context

Abstract

Fraternal orders united citizens across the United States and grew to popularity after the Civil War. Previous research shows that these associations fostered civic life, which likely translated into political action. Yet, their connections to politics—a subject many orders claimed to abstain from—remain unclear. In this study, we use a multi-method approach to investigate the state-level relationship between prominent fraternal organizations’ strength (e.g., local chapters, membership) and a variety of political activities and outcomes, including voter turnout and election results. The findings reveal the extent to which the social capital developed in these orders had political implications and suggest avenues for future research at the intersection of interest groups, American political development, and civil society.

Authors

• Adam Chamberlain, Coastal Carolina University

• Alixandra B. Yanus, High Point University