Klan's Initiation Myth During The Civil War

The Klan chose its victims by targeting those who opposed their policies, ideas, or political agenda. Any whites that supported African Americans or were seen as “unionist sympathizers” would be harassed by the Klan. African Americans who voted, protested, or spoke out were singled out and terrorized by the “night riders”. (2-3)
The Klan originated December 24, 1865, shortly after reconstruction in May of that same year. Political pressures on the Klan lead several Confederate soldiers to form the organization to protect their Democratic values with hopes of destroying the Republican party in the south.The organization channeled their hatred, racism, and hopes to maintain their political agenda into terrorism.The pressures on the south that contradicted their Democratic views included the 15th amendment, scalawags coming down from the North, and the reconstruction. (7-12)
The Klan formed from a group of white Southerners with strong values and political views that quickly turned into a terrorist organization. The Klan’s Initiation Oath has all three values hatred, ideology, and political power. “I swear to maintain and defend the social and political superiority of the white race…” (5) this section of the Oath suggests that
All the images illustrated freedmen being harassed and terrorized by the Klan. Ames wrote to President Grant stating that violence in the state of Mississippi was beyond the states means. Ames expressed his concerns informing the president that the violence ran rampant and this was a problem that needed to be addressed immediately. Edward Pierrepont, the chairman of the Democratic State Executive committee wrote back to Ames for Grant. Pierrepont showed his condolences, however, the letter stated that the Federal government was not going to help and that it is the governor's responsibility.