FREE ESSAY ON THE KLU KLUX KLAN

THE KLU KLUX KLAN

The Ku Klux Klan
The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) is one of America's oldest and most feared groups. Driven by the
dream of a world with only one master race, the KKK often uses violence and moves above
the law to promote their cause. They didn't start of violent, or to promote white
supremacy. They have been in the shadows for over 130 years and continue to thrive in
America's society today.
The Ku Klux Klan began almost accidentally during the reconstruction period after the
civil war in the Southern United States. The southern people had suffered greatly from
the effects of the great war. Many of them lost their homes and plantations. Many also
lost friends and loved ones to the war. The people needed a release from the sorrow of
everyday life. 
In 1865, six men from a small town in Tennessee accidentally began what has grown to be
the largest and most feared hate group in the country. The men decided to make a club to
help release the stress of the times. The men were poor and could not afford to make
gowns or great costumes for the group, so they decided to use linens. They wore the
linens over their backs and put pillowcases on their heads. They also draped the linens
over their horses. The Ku Klux Klan was going to ride for the first time. In the
beginning, the men wanted to do nothing more than play pranks on people. However, the
people were more frightened than they were cheered up. They soon realized what they could
do with these fear tactics. 
The South had turned into a place that was no longer theirs. The slaves were now free
(many of these men were slave owners) and carpetbaggers were coming from the North to
take advantage of the southern people. They saw the opportunity to set back the South to
what it had been. The KKK soon began to ride through political rallies of the
carpetbaggers. People often fled the rallies out of fear. Word quickly spread across the
South about these masked men. Many people loved the idea and wanted to be involved. The
Klan quickly grew. A leader was soon needed to control the large group. Their first
choice was Southern General Robert E. Lee. Although he supported the group and its cause,
he was very ill and could not handle the task. Their next choice was a man named Nathan
Bedford Forrest.
Forrest, although he wasn't as well known as General Lee, he was a great leader. He was
born in Mississippi and owned a plantation. He fought for the confederate army for a long
time before they recognized his abilities. Although he didn't arrive early enough to
greatly impact the war, he gained the respect of the top confederate leaders. After the
war he was infuriated by the carpetbaggers and needed a way to fight back. He saw the Ku
Klux Klan as a way to do it. 
He was quickly accepted as the Grand Wizard. He had absolute power over the Klan members.
The men were eager to do what he said, they trusted him. Many of the men were in need of
a sense of belonging. The KKK gave them this. The Klan was very secretive, all of the
members were safe from people knowing their real identities (if that was their wish).
Because of this secrecy, they gained the alternate name of The Invisible Empire.
The Klan really began to take control in the year of 1868. They vowed to rid the south of
carpetbaggers, blacks and any person who supported them. They stole the oppositions
goods, beat them and even killed them. These murders were known as lynching. They would
drag the person to the center of the town and hang them in front of everyone. This method
was very effective, people feared it would happen to themselves if they had anything to
do with the carpetbaggers or blacks.
After the U.S. government removed troops from the South in the late 1800's, the Klan
achieved its goal. Many of the groups disbanded and Forrest left. After the turn of the
century, it started again. This time the goal was much larger, freeing America of all
non-white, Christian Americans. This is the Ku Klux Klan we know today. The new breed of
Klan differed from the old version in many ways. The old Klan wanted to set things back
to the old ways. They wanted their freedom back and wanted nothing more. Being prejudice
was only an effect. In the eyes of the modern KKK, prejudice was the cause. The new Klan
was far more violent. People were tarred and feathered, lynched, and beaten for little
reason more than being a certain race, nationality or religion. 
In the 1920's, the KKK prospered. Unlike previous revivals, the members were in more than
just the South. The Klan was spread all across the country. Many towns were also secretly
run by the Klan. They elected many officials. Town justices couldn't seem to convict
accused members for anything. Their power was stronger than the law and wrath of the
hooded was for more frightening than jail. However, in the late 1920's, many politicians
who once remained quiet spoke out and fought against the Klan. This was their downfall.
The Klan hasn't been as powerful since that time. For the past 50 years, it has had many
rebirths and falls. During the times of the World Wars, they used their patriotism appeal
to gain peoples trust. The Klan was also much different in its organization than previous
rebirths. The new KKK are separated into many small organizations. There are many
internal struggles, most divisions claim to be original descendants and follow the old
ways. This is never true.
In the past few years with the birth of at home Internet service, the Klan has found a
way to push its propaganda into homes across the country. All of these sites seem to have
the same things in common. They contain information that undermines other races and
religions. A majority of these sites also appeal to adolescents, teenagers and younger
children by boasting such slogans as Cool Hate Music. Cartoons are also found on many
pages. These cartoons demonstrate the enemy races in displeasing situations that often
elaborate the points and views of the KKK. 
In the end, the KKK is a problem that won't go away for long. As we have seen, the KKK
will be active for a period and then disappear. As long as there is differences between
people in this world, there will always be hate. And the Ku Klux Klan will be there to
feed on this hate and exploit it in every way possible. They may be silent for many
years, but you can count on the fact that they are there. They are The Invisible Empire
and will always be the dark side to American History.