Ku Klux Klan Historiography
After researching the various viewpoints of the Ku Klux Klan and how it has evolved as an organization, its establishment as a political organization with race-associated motives is the most accurate of the three. The evidence provided within the second perspective provides the reader with clear evidence of not only the motives of the Klan, but also the origins of its establishment. Within three out of the four historical sources, the Klan is depicted as a violent and racially motivated regime. Elaine Parsons states in her book, Ku Klux: The Birth of the Klan During Reconstruction, that “because of the violence placed on African Americans, the Ku Klux Klan remains a ghostly presence in U.S. history. The Klan itself represents perhaps the most
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Through research and evidence, it is clear that the perspective of the Klan has changed over time. Starting in Reconstruction in 1861, the Klan was portrayed as a benevolent society, working as law-enforcers to help maintain a distinct social order between Southern whites and newly freed African American slaves. Completely void of violence, this perspective portrayed the Klan as a positive, well-rounded organization. As history continued, the Klan’s violence was no longer being ignored, nor was it being seen as an effort to maintain societal order. The Klan’s aggressive and violent actions were now being acknowledged as racially motivated. These actions by the Klan were then used in efforts towards building a more politically affiliated organization. There was a third and final perspective. Much like the first, this perspective was void of all violence. This Klan was established as a result of a struggling planter class, begging for control. This particular Klan answered to the wants and desires of the planter’s class. As a result, the Klan was never seen as an over-arching obstacle for newly freed slaves and their new lives. In conclusion, it is evident that historical viewpoints develop and change over time. The perspective of the Klan may continue to change over time, but for now, many believe that it was
Through research and evidence, it is clear that the perspective of the Klan has changed over time. Starting in Reconstruction in 1861, the Klan was portrayed as a benevolent society, working as law-enforcers to help maintain a distinct social order between Southern whites and newly freed African American slaves. Completely void of violence, this perspective portrayed the Klan as a positive, well-rounded organization. As history continued, the Klan’s violence was no longer being ignored, nor was it being seen as an effort to maintain societal order. The Klan’s aggressive and violent actions were now being acknowledged as racially motivated. These actions by the Klan were then used in efforts towards building a more politically affiliated organization. There was a third and final perspective. Much like the first, this perspective was void of all violence. This Klan was established as a result of a struggling planter class, begging for control. This particular Klan answered to the wants and desires of the planter’s class. As a result, the Klan was never seen as an over-arching obstacle for newly freed slaves and their new lives. In conclusion, it is evident that historical viewpoints develop and change over time. The perspective of the Klan may continue to change over time, but for now, many believe that it was