Ku Klux Klan Essay

Since 1866 the Ku Klux Klan has been the epitome of wild, irrational, and extreme violence against nationality, race, and religion in the United States. Although the KKK has declined in popularity and power, the white supremacy clan is still prevalent along with underlying groups that follow the traditional beliefs of the KKK. The klan was once spread throughout nearly all southern states during the 19th century when the Civil Rights Movement was at its high. The klan died out, but reemerged during the 1970s. Although the KKK had a low profile, the klan sustained and continued to spread its supremacy ideas. The KKK arose after the Civil War as a symbol of southern pride, but soon arose as a racist social and political group. The secret society spread rapidly through
The words “all men are created equal” only referred to white men, therefore the klan considered civil rights given to any non-white person unconstitutional( Bartoletti 45). Because of the klans lack of agreement to the declaration of independence, the klan outlined its own set of principles in a secret constitution called a prescript ( Bartoletti 45). Here the klan expressed their dedication to their country and to god, writing “We the Ku Klux Klan reverently acknowledge the majesty and supremacy of the divine being”(Bartoletti 44). All information about the klan was sworn to secrecy including signs, handshakes, passwords, and members identities. The klan developed its own government, laws, leaders, constitution, and police that were spread throughout the country. A Grand Giant led each country, in each state was a Grand Dragon, eight Hydras were in a congressional district, assisted by six furies, and four goblins. Ordinary klan members were referred to as Ghouls and were greatest in number. Reluctant klan members who failed to follow orders or attempted to quit were punished with whipping and often