The Ku Klux Klan During The Civil Rights Movement

The Ku Klux Klan

White Supremacy, anti-Christian, and racist are just some identifiable words that differentiate this group from any other created. The Ku Klux Klan is a horrifying group who involves itself with dangerous activities in hope of harming groups they hate most. This Klan began in the late 1800’s and is still popular in some states, yet their actions are not as distinct as they were. The Klan was notorious during the Civil Rights movement, when freedom had been permitted to African Americans. This caused the revolt of the Klan and soon flourished into a known society during this movement. First I will describe who the Klan was, next their actions, how they were organized and re-organized, and finally one of
their most known rallies.
1866, the Klan began within a fraternity in Pulaski, Tennessee.
The organized terrorist group was in complete opposition to blacks, Jews, Catholics, and several other organizations. The Klan grew in size from the small fraternity house and rose to 3 million. The attendance was incredibly high for the short period of time that it had begun. For a short period of time the Klan had joined forces with a Neo-Nazi group but soon dissipated. During the birth of the Klan they were mostly dedicated to defeating the Republican Party and specifically targeted certain groups to sway election poles. The Klan was divided into three groups all had similar motives but had slightly more dominant ones than others. The first was to end southern reconstruction in the 1870s, the second did not fully deflect the states progress into a democratic society in the 1920’s, and the third movement for passage of landmark civil rights legislation during the 1960’s, this movement was also fueled by the fear of communism. The Klan grew in size from the small fraternity house and rose to 3 million. The attendance was incredibly high for the short period of time that it had begun. For a short period of time the Klan had joined forces with a Neo-Nazi group but soon
dissipated. The majority of the Klan was involved mostly with non-violent acts, but a small percentage of the group was extremely radical.
The groups led underground resistance movements and were called the “Invincible Empire of the South,” during the Civil War. The group mainly discussed their opposition to the newly freed slaves, with this they began to make public rallies and dressed in all white hoods, they were designed to frighten the newly freed group and burned their houses and barns. As the new Klan began to persecute more groups and religions, murdering and kidnappings increased. They now persecuted Roman Catholics, Jews, foreigners, Communists, and organized laborers. And now specifically strived for White Protestant Supremacy, although they did ally with the Neo-Nazis, and right-wing extremist groups. As the funds for the organization soon diminished the Klan eventually went bankrupt during the era of the Great Depression. Before this occurred there had been an extreme increase in killings and kidnappings which the Grand Wizard of the Klan eventually ordered to a stop. Although, during the Civil Rights Act of 1964, only two years later did the Klan briefly revived itself. But the Group again faded after President Lyndon Johnson denounced the group. There are still members that believe today in this movement, but are not as outspoken and public about their beliefs as past
groups. One of the most popular rallies for the Klan was the one in which they gathered in Memphis, Tennessee. This was the site in which Martin Luther King Jr. had been assassinated, for this reason the Klan was pleased to set up their rally at this landmark. The ratio of African American people outnumber the White population completely, which made it peculiar for the Klan to rally in such a town. The Klan began their rally cursing, one the speakers told the white people in the town to take back their city. This caused an extreme revolt against the officers guarding the rally. Protesters began throwing cans and trash at the Klansmen who soon had to be escorted by the police out of the town. White terror will forever be known as one of the most historically based terrorists groups known on this earth today. Their well-known description, actions, ability to re-organize, and just some of the cruel examples of their rallies are just some of the things used to describe this group’s past. Racial and religious superiority should never cause conflict amongst two groups of people. All should have equal rights even if the color of their skin is slightly different than one’s own. We should treat each other equally because one day the world could change.