New Book Details Ku Klux Klan’s Rise and Fall in 1920s Oregon
A new book, "Peddlers of Hate: How the Ku Klux Klan Seized Power in 1920s Oregon" by Steve Law, details the historical rise and fall of the Ku Klux Klan in Oregon. The book highlights the Klan's significant political influence…
Portland, OR, August 21, 2026 —
A new book by Steve Law, titled “Peddlers of Hate: How the Ku Klux Klan Seized Power in 1920s Oregon”, meticulously chronicles the ascent and subsequent downfall of the Ku Klux Klan’s influence in Oregon during the 1920s.
The historical account illuminates the significant political sway the organization wielded in the state during the early part of that decade. Law’s research suggests that the Klan operated with a notable degree of business-like efficiency, managing its operations and expansion in a structured manner.
Furthermore, the book examines the critical role that media outlets played in both fueling the Klan’s rise to prominence and contributing to its eventual decline. The narrative underscores the complex relationship between public discourse, media representation, and the growth of extremist groups.
According to the author, the ultimate failure of the Ku Klux Klan in Oregon was not an inevitable outcome. Instead, Law emphasizes the crucial impact of concerted efforts by various groups. Civil rights leaders, dedicated journalists, and persistent activists are highlighted as key figures whose actions were instrumental in countering the Klan’s influence and leading to its diminished power.
The book delves into the historical context of the 1920s, a period marked by significant social and political shifts, and how these dynamics allowed for the Klan’s temporary dominance in Oregon. It provides an in-depth look at the mechanisms of power the Klan employed and the eventual pushback that led to its retreat.
Story summarized from the original created by Jeremiah Hayden on www.portlandmercury.com, see more information here.
