In the nineteenth century, there was public fear of secret societies such as the Freemasons and Odd Fellows. Public prejudice was fanned by ex-Masons and various religious leaders who preached the "evils" of fraternal organizations with secret oaths and initiations, despite the fact that founding fathers such as George Washington had been Freemasons. An Anti-Masonic party was formed and several Anti-Masons were elected to prominent positions. Eventually the public tired of the tirade against Freemasonry.
