How Did The Klan Contribute To The Rise Of African Americans

Ultimately, the Klan was a reaction by southern whites against the rise of freedom for African Americans and their entrance into politics (2). Despite how the Klan is viewed now, it was originally meant to just be a social club (2). A place where likeminded people could come together and voice their concerns and opinions (4). They believed a sense of mystery would add amusement to the club (2). This can be represented by how outlandish the Klan made their structure sound by having ranks such as Grand Dragon and Grand Wizard (7). They also adopted weird costumes, incantations, and useless rituals (2).

As the elections and judiciary in the south became largely controlled by northern politicians and federal troops, many southerners were left feeling disenfranchised (2). The Klan shifted its focus to working to reverse the gains made during Reconstruction by blacks and poor whites (1). In this they opposed all groups that were advocating social and legal equality between whites and blacks (3). However, with the new voting population and government interference, white southerners were unable to make their voices heard in the polls (2). The Klan used this state of the southern political scope to justify their use of illegal measures to restore the pre-war south (1).
White Republicans and black institutions, mainly schools and churches, became targets for the Klan (3). Successful black businessmen came under heavy attack and any attempts to help by black protection groups, like trade unions, were a dealt with (5). The Klan also targeted immigrants whom they blamed for the election of Radical Republicans hostile to the Klan (5). Even after white governments had begun to regain control in the South during reconstruction, the Klan continued to undermine African Americans and equal rights activists