Boy Spies of America
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Boy Spies of America was a children's group organized during World War I.[1] It was one of a dozen of extralegal vigilance organizations dedicated to volunteer spying which arose during that war.[2][3] The group is similar to other organizations, such as the Sedition Slammers, the Terrible Threateners, the American Protective League, and the Knights of Liberty.[4]
Initially the group was created to punish Americans who spoke out against the war. Members reinforced a climate of anti-German sentiment and stopped young men on the street, demanding to see their draft cards.[5] After some time, members targeted any person who spoke negatively about any part of American life.
Throughout its existence, the group failed to identify any German spies.[6]
