2.4 The rise of lynching and racial violence

Lynching and racial violence terrorized African Americans after Reconstruction. Thousands were killed without trial, often in public spectacles. This brutality aimed to maintain white supremacy and control, causing trauma and forced migration in Black communities.

White supremacist groups like the KKK fueled the violence, operating with impunity. African Americans and civil rights organizations fought back, led by activists like Ida B. Wells. Despite their efforts, federal response remained inadequate, leaving a legacy of fear and injustice.

Lynching and Racial Violence in the Post-Reconstruction South

Definition and prevalence of lynching

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• Extrajudicial killing of individuals, often by hanging, for perceived offenses or violations of social norms without due process
• Predominantly targeted African American men in the Southern United States during the post-Reconstruction era (1880s to 1930s)
• Public spectacles attended by large crowds of white people
• Estimated at least 4,743 people lynched in the United States between 1882 and 1968, with the majority being African Americans

Causes and consequences of racial violence

• Rooted in white supremacist beliefs and desire to maintain social, economic, and political control over African Americans
• Collapse of Reconstruction and withdrawal of federal troops from the South contributed to increased racial violence
• Used to intimidate and terrorize African American communities, suppressing their political participation and economic advancement
• Far-reaching consequences for African American communities:
  • Psychological trauma and constant fear
  • Economic instability from destruction of property and businesses
  • Forced migration as many fled the South to escape violence (Great Migration)
• Broader societal impact:
  • Normalization of racial violence and perpetuation of white supremacist ideologies
  • Reinforced culture of racism and inequality
  • Lack of accountability for perpetrators undermined rule of law and principles of justice

Role of white supremacist organizations

• Ku Klux Klan (KKK) and other white supremacist organizations played significant role in perpetuating racial violence and intimidation
• KKK founded in 1865, underwent several phases of activity with resurgence in early 20th century
• Engaged in various forms of racial violence:
  • Lynchings and murders of African Americans and white allies
  • Burning crosses and destroying property to intimidate African American communities
  • Using political influence to suppress African American voting rights and maintain segregation
• Operated with impunity as local and state authorities often turned blind eye or were complicit in crimes
• Created climate of fear and oppression for African Americans, limiting ability to exercise rights and fully participate in society

Responses to lynching and violence

• African Americans and civil rights organizations actively resisted and condemned lynching and racial violence
• Ida B. Wells, prominent African American journalist and activist, led campaign to raise awareness and demand accountability
  • Documented lynchings, wrote editorials, gave speeches to expose brutality and injustice
  • Called for economic boycotts and organized anti-lynching societies
• NAACP (founded 1909) made fight against lynching primary goal
  • Lobbied for federal anti-lynching legislation and provided legal assistance to victims and families
  • Worked to educate public about realities of lynching and racial violence
• Other civil rights organizations (National Urban League, National Equal Rights League) advocated for end to racial violence and protection of African American rights
• Federal government response often inadequate and inconsistent
  • Congress failed to pass federal anti-lynching laws due to opposition from Southern Democrats
  • Presidents (Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson) condemned lynching but did not take strong action to prevent or prosecute
  • Limited and inconsistent federal intervention to protect African Americans from mob violence