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Historical Records Military Records World War I

Spies, Slackers, and Aliens: Records of the American Protective League

Michael L. Strauss, AG
May 12, 2023
434 views
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Syllabus
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Content

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Welcome
1m 37s
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Speaker's Introduction
1m 27s
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Introduction
10m 25s
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Work of the APL
5m 23s
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APL Records
17m 04s
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Non-government records
7m 31s
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Examples
20m 04s
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Announcements / prizes
5m 06s
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Questions / answers
8m 09s

About this webinar

Organized in Chicago, IL in 1917 by citizens who believed the United States Department of Justice was understaffed and not up to the task of fighting against espionage. They grew to a volunteer force of more than 250,000 members. The APL was given absolute power to stop ordinary citizens in the streets by checking whether men were legally registered for draft, or were sympathetic to the Germans, or those unregistered aliens living in the United States. Long believed to be a pseudo-patriotic organization. The APL documented both members and their activities in rich genealogical and historical details at the time the United States entered World War I.

About the speaker

About the speaker

Michael L. Strauss, AG
Michael L. Strauss, AG, an Accredited Genealogist and forensic investigator, is a native of Pennsylvania and a resident of Utah. He holds a BA in History and is a United States Coast Guard veteran. He is a licensed Private Investigator and qualifi
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  1. CC
    Christine Chesters
    2 years ago

    I love learning about new record sets! Just when you think there isn’t anything new to research, BAM! Legacy Family Tree pulls out a fantastic webinar! Kudos to Mr. Strauss!!

    Reply
  2. DM
    Dee Mathews
    2 years ago

    I so appreciate Michael Strauss bringing us webinars on these off-the-beaten-path collections. I had never heard of the APL, much less the vast amounts of data collected by these members. What a joy that he brings these new records to us.

    Reply
  3. KE
    Kathryn Everhart
    2 years ago

    Learned about something I’d never heard of!

    Reply
  4. GL
    Graham Lowe
    2 years ago

    Michael Strauss, thank you for another very interesting and informative presentation. This is the first time I have heard of the American Protective League (APL). I’m very appreciative of your syllabus containing many valuable research tips and links. Thanks again!

    Reply
  5. WB
    Wanda Bower
    2 years ago

    I would never have been aware of these records without this webinar.

    Reply
  6. VE
    Victoria Eaton
    2 years ago

    Michael is a great presenter, never talks down to viewers, makes you comfortable like he’s the guy next door. So knowledgeable on so many topics. Can’t wait to see his other webinars.

    Reply
  7. CW
    Cynthia Ward
    2 years ago

    Very informative. Never heard of the APL. i will look to see if any of my ancestors fit this category.

    Reply
  8. JF
    Jean Foster
    2 years ago

    Extremely interesting webinar and great information on how to find the records. Always enjoy and learn from a Michael Strauss webinar.

    Reply
Show all comments

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