Ku Klux Klan

Ku Klux Klan (KKK) is the name of an organization in the United States that advocates white supremacy, anti- Semitism, anti-Catholicism, and racism.

Ku Klux Klan The KKK has often used terrorism, violence, and acts of intimidation, such as cross burning and lynching, to oppress African Americans and other social or ethnic groups.

History Reconstruction (1863/ ) was the attempt by the federal government of the United States to resolve the issues of the American Civil War ( ) after the Confederacy was defeated and slavery ended.

History After reconstruction, the government attempted to help African Americans find employment, and improve educational and health facilities. In response, the Klan attempted to curb black education, economic advancement, voting rights, and the right to bear arms.

History Freedom for slaves represented for many white Southerners a bitter defeat —a defeat not only of their armies, but of their economic and social way of life.

Membership Membership in the Klan was secret. Members wore white robes and hoods to hide their identity.

Membership The KKK was first organized in Tennessee, and spread to every state in the South and included mayors, judges, and sheriffs, as well as criminals.

Membership While the menace of the KKK has peaked and waned over the years, it has never vanished. The KKK continues today as a small organization that continues to stage demonstrations in favor of white supremacy.

Membership over the Years YEAR MEMBERSHIP ,000, ,000, , , ,000

Take a Quiz

KKK Quiz Question 1: The leader of the KKK was called “Grand Wizard.” TRUE FALSE

TRUE Lesser officers were given such names as “Grand Dragon,” “Grand Titan,” and “Grand Cyclops.”

KKK Quiz Question 2: In 1871, Congress passed the “Force Bill” giving the federal government the power to prosecute the Klan. TRUE FALSE

TRUE Since local law enforcement officials were unable or unwilling to stop the Klan, Congress passed this bill. However, relatively few people were punished.

KKK Quiz Question 3: Eleanor Roosevelt became profoundly aware of the injustices suffered by African Americans. TRUE FALSE

TRUE She began to speak out publicly on behalf of blacks and against race prejudice. As a result, for the first time since Reconstruction, the federal government actively supported blacks and made a concerted effort to incorporate them into the mainstream of American life.

KKK Quiz Question 4: By 1944, the KKK had lost most of its members and influence. TRUE FALSE

TRUE The organization was weakened by disagreements among the leaders and because of public criticism of Klan violence.

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