Ku Klux Klan

Definition

The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) is a white supremacist hate group that was founded in the United States in the aftermath of the Civil War, specifically in 1865. It emerged during the Reconstruction Era as a response to the social and political changes brought about by the war, targeting African Americans and those who supported civil rights. The Klan is known for its use of intimidation, violence, and terrorism to maintain white supremacy and oppose racial integration.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The KKK's first iteration was founded in Tennessee in 1865, quickly spreading throughout the Southern United States during the Reconstruction Era.
2. Members of the Klan typically wore white robes and hoods to conceal their identities and instill fear, often carrying out violent acts against African Americans and their allies.
3. The Klan experienced a resurgence in the early 20th century, especially during the 1920s, expanding its targets to include immigrants, Catholics, Jews, and others perceived as threats to American values.
4. The Klan has been involved in numerous violent acts, including lynchings, bombings, and other forms of domestic terrorism aimed at maintaining racial segregation and suppressing civil rights.
5. Despite its decline after World War II, the KKK has remained active in various forms throughout American history, continuing to promote hate and division into the 21st century.

Review Questions

• How did the founding of the Ku Klux Klan relate to the political and social changes during Reconstruction?
  • The Ku Klux Klan was founded as a direct reaction to the Reconstruction policies that aimed to integrate formerly enslaved individuals into society and grant them civil rights. This period saw significant political shifts, including African Americans gaining voting rights and holding public office. The KKK arose as a means for white supremacists to resist these changes through intimidation and violence, attempting to restore white dominance in the South.
• What strategies did the Ku Klux Klan employ to enforce its ideology during its peaks in membership?
  • During its peaks, particularly in the early 20th century, the Ku Klux Klan used a combination of intimidation tactics, public rallies, and violent acts to promote its ideology. They organized parades showcasing their numbers and power while also engaging in terrorism against African Americans and those who supported civil rights. This multi-faceted approach helped them instill fear within communities and deter opposition.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Ku Klux Klan on American society and civil rights movements throughout history.
  • The long-term impact of the Ku Klux Klan on American society has been profound, contributing significantly to systemic racism and societal divisions. Their actions not only instilled fear but also influenced legislation that enforced segregation, such as Jim Crow laws. Furthermore, their legacy of hate continues to resonate in modern-day white supremacist movements, showing how their ideology has persisted over time. The struggle against Klan-inspired racism has also fueled civil rights movements, highlighting ongoing battles for equality and justice in America.

Related terms

Reconstruction: The period after the Civil War from 1865 to 1877 when the Southern states were reorganized and reintegrated into the Union, marked by significant political and social changes.

Jim Crow Laws: State and local laws enacted in the Southern United States that enforced racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century.

White Supremacy: The belief that white people are superior to those of all other racial backgrounds and should therefore dominate society, leading to systemic racism and discrimination.