American Protective League

American Protective League
Formation1917
FounderA. M. Briggs
Dissolved1919
Location
  • United States
Membership
250,000 (claimed)
An APL intelligence report sent to the U.S. government detailing pro-German statements

The American Protective League (1917–1919) was an organization of private citizens sponsored by the United States Department of Justice that worked with federal law enforcement agencies during the World War I era. Its mission was 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.