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The Ku Klux Klan During The Reconstruction Era

715 Words3 Pages

Founded during the Reconstruction Era (1865-1877), The Ku Klux Klan was an extremist hate group that violently challenged social and political laws which protected certain minority groups. The Klan’s deliberate use of terror and violence reflected the passion held for a racial hierarchy, with whites at the top of the social structure. The presence of KKK was seen not only during the Reconstruction Era, but also during the post–World War I era (1920s). There are distinct similarities and differences that define the motives of the 1860s Klan and the reincarnated 1920s Klan; however, I believe these characteristics hide the true representation of the intolerance of American citizens.
The first Ku Klux Klan of the 1860s was marked by is deliberate …show more content…

Both groups seemed to validate their motives and actions by some means. The Klan of the 1860s laid out in its principles that “this is an institution of Chivalry, Humanity, Mercy, and Patriotism; embodying in its genius and its principles all that is chivalric in conduct, noble in sentiment, generous in manhood, and patriotic in purpose..” (Shi and Mayer, 9). In this statement, it labels any actions committed by the organization as patriotic because it “protects and defends the Constitution of the United States” (Shi and Mayer, 9). The correlation of the Klan’s violent actions with the Constitution and patriotic feelings also reflects the reasoning behind the reincarnation of the Klan in the 1920s given the hatred that lingered from World War …show more content…

While the Ku Klux Klan of the 1860s and of the 1920s had certain similarities and differences, these groups represent a particular American virtue: intolerance. In my opinion, this intolerance promoted the formation of the Klan. Camouflaging these hateful and violent crimes and righteous intentions is ignorant and prevents progress. Change is what molds a country into a better one. While I feel as though the United States today is a large accomplishment in terms of progression, I believe that the Klan was an unnecessary feature toward the improvement of our country and American

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