NOTE: Free essay sample provided on this page should be used for references or sample purposes only. The sample essay is available to anyone, so any direct quoting without mentioning the source will be considered plagiarism by schools, colleges and universities that use plagiarism detection software. To get a completely brand-new, plagiarism-free essay, please use our essay writing service.
One click instant price quote
In the spring of 1866, A year after the civil war had ended; Six confederate veterans formed a social club in the town of Pulaski, Tennessee. Just out of the war and looking for excitement they formed a secret society which they named the Ku Klux Klan. The name came from the Greek word Kuklos, meaning circle. This small group started as a harmless fun loving group, developed into one of the largest, most violent groups in American History. The original group only lasted a few years, and left a permanent impression, rituals that people today still use. Klan supporters saw the group as a protector of a certain way of life and the white race.
The original Klan shut down in 1872. On Thanksgiving Night 1915, The Klan struck again. Sixteen men from Atlanta, Georgia went to the top of the mountain and set up for a Klan ritual. They built an altar of stones, on which they placed on American Flag, a bible and a sword. Then the men erected a sixteen-foot high cross and lit it on fire. William Joseph Simmons was the leader of the new Klan.
William, son of an ex Klan member, heard his dad speck of Klan stories and wanted to "Frighten the Dark people" himself. In the early 1920 's the Klan traveled on a wave of terror in the south and southwest. As the violence spread a pattern appeared. The majority of the Victorian's were whites who had broken some kind of moral code. Such as Bootleggers, Gamblers, were favorite targets. The Klan would parade the streets at night as a reminder of the constant terror they haunted a southern town with.
By taking the law into their own hands the Klan made sure the laws were respected. Hooded Klansmen sometimes took their victims in brood daylight but mostly they piled into cars and went "night riding." Klansmen used whips to punish those victims. Once they finished whipping they would pour hot tar on them and sprinkle feathers on them. This would add insult to injury. I n 1921, the Klan was brought to trial for the murder of a black man who had been a known drunk in his hometown. Simmons, Klan leader, stepped up in front of congress and swore on the holy bible that the Klan "never had been and never will be involved in violent acts." In 1922, the Klan used its anti-Catholic appeal to capture control of the Oregon St.
Government. The target was Governor Ben Olcott, who spoke out against the group. The Klan endorsed one of the olcott's opponents in the Republican primary during the spring of 1922. Previous to the election Olcott warned the voters of the danger of the KKK. Having made the Klan member one concern of the election Olcott barley won the election by 500 votes.
The general election was another chance for the Klan to throw out Olcott. Facing the impossible odds the Klan endorsed Walter Peirce, a democrat. Oregon was mainly Republican at this time so the odds were against him. Defying the odd Peirce won the election by 35, 000 votes. Exercising its new- fond power the Klan achieved its great political accomplishments.
The purpose was to establish parochial schools. The law was passed, it stated by 1926 all students had to be enrolled in public schools. This law was ruled unconstitutional by congress in 1925. Oregon went from being a peaceful, beautiful state to being run by a violent secret organization. Recruiting members was the only thing the Klan was good at.
They used terms like 100 % Americanism and promised members financial favors which appealed to Businessmen. The Klan appealed to politicians because they could gain popularity by linking up with other chapters of the KKK. Many noticed the Klan was becoming very popular. It appeared they were becoming more popular than the U. S.
government itself. The Klan had enough power and respect to keep all its members clean and out of trouble. The last large get together of the Klan came in August 1925. Over 40, 000 Klansmen and Klansmen marched on Washington D. C with estimated over 200, 000 supporters lining the streets and cheering the "invisible empire" on. The Klan and it's supporters marched down Pennsylvania Avenue carrying signs reading KIGY, one of the Klan's popular sayings meaning "Klansmen I greet you." Even some members admitted that the hug parade was just a front and the Klan's power was disappearing rapidly.
By 1930, the Klan was very visible. Despite the many external pressures to shut down, the Klan collapsed many as a result of internal weakness. Devotion occurred between the members who joined in hopes of Americanism and those who were involved in corruption and violence. The power of the KKK goes in cycles. Since the beginning of the Klan in 1866, it has gone through three periods of growth followed by years of declining. The Klan has never truly died yet though.
In the early 1970 's the Klan seemed to be shut down. Being bothered by internal problems, prison terms and problems from the FBI the KKK faced what seemed to be a short future. In the late 1969, imperial Wizard (leader) Robert Shelton was released from prison. He came home to 5, 000 of his old 16, 000 members still members. He lost over 10, 000 members during his time in jail. For every one Klansmen there were twelve who either dropped out or ventured off to a new branch of the Klan.
In addition to these worries Klansmen were becoming suspicious of one another. No one knew who was going to be the next to drop out. Bibliography 1. Alan Goldberg, Robert. Hooded Empire, The Klan in Colorado. Chicago, Illinois: University of Illinois press. 1986 2.
Chalmers M. David. The Truth about the Ku Klux Klan. New York, London, Toronto, Sydney: Franklin Watts publish company, 1974 3. Member Milton, Hooded Americanism, The History of the Ku Klux Klan. New York, London, Toronto, Sydney: Franklin Watts publish company
Free research essays on topics related to: 000 members, york london, ku klux klan, franklin watts, won the election
Research essay sample on Ku Klux Klan Won The Election
