Ku Klux Klan essays

Ku Klux Klan essays The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) is one of North Americas 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. Supporting white supremacy and violent were not the original goals of this organization. Sometimes when groups grown too quickly their actually purpose can be forgotten. The KKK was actually started by six teenagers back in 1865. When the original group was made it had nothing to do with hatred towards blacks. They used linens and pillowcases because they could not afford to buy costumes. They would go to peoples house in the night and play practical jokes on them. Even though it was not there intention to strike fear into people they had the ability to do so. After the civil war when the black slaves where freed the group took a turn for the worse. They started riding their horses covered in white linens through black people rallies and scaring them. 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 choice was a man named Nathan Bedford Forrest. He was quickly accepted as the "Grand Wizard". He had absolute power over the Klan members. They trusted him and where eager to do what he said. Many of the men were in need of a sense of belonging. The KKK gave them this. The Klan really began to take control in the year of 1868. They vowed to rid the south of 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 them if they had anything to do with the blacks. In the end, the KKK is a problem that will not go away ...