The Skeleton Army vs. the Salvation Army,
Today the Salvation Army are known as a charitable religious organization dedicated to helping the poor and providing disaster relief. They operate numerous non-profit second hand stores, shelters, drug rehab facilities, and especially make themselves known with their red buckets and bells during Christmas time.
While today there is little controversy over the Salvation Army and their operations, in the late 19th century, they were met with both praise and very harsh scorn. Founded in 1865 in England, the Salvation Army was not only a charitable religious organization, but a very militant progressive reform organization that sought to reform society at its most fundamental levels. They were a very puritanical organization which actively sought to restrict things such as gambling, dancing, prostitution, theaters, secular music, and various others things that people considered fun. What especially earned the Salvation Army's scorn from the common people was that they were prohibitionists; they actively sought the complete and total illegalization of alcohol. When the Salvation Army marched into town, they did so not only to help the poor and convert people to Jesus, but to close down all the saloons, theaters, dancing halls, gambling dens, and bordellos.
While the Salvation Army was dedicated to helping the lower class out of poverty, they often found the staunchest opposition from those they sought to help. In Southern England in the 1880's, many different towns and cities formed what were called "Skeleton Armies" to combat the Salvation Army. Formed mostly from lower class and middle class peoples, they were called Skeleton Armies because they commonly carried skull and crossbone flags and banners while wearing similar skeleton themed regalia. When the Salvation Army paraded in the streets, the Skeleton Army too would follow, often laughing, jeering, and insulting their opposites. They would also pelt Salvationists with eggs, rotten vegetables, and animal dung. Sometimes confrontations between the Salvationists and Skeletons led to violence and brawling in the streets. In some instances Salvation Army headquarters and barracks were subjected to vandalism and acts of arson.
The rivalry between the Skeletons and Salvationists peaked in 1889, with scores of demonstrations and riots occurring across England. Despite various insults and acts of violence, the Salvation Army refused to back down. In the 1890's the Skeleton Army movement began to pitter out. Most Skelton Armies had disbanded by 1893.
