History- The KKK

Who re-established the KKK and when?

1915- William Simmons, a teacher of Southern history

Who were members in the government?

2 US senators from Georgia Governor of Alabama Senator from Texas

In 1921, the New York "World" newspaper accused the KKK of doing what?

4 killings 1 mutilation 1 branding with acid 41 floggings 27 tar and feather parties 5 kidnappings 43 threats to leave town

How many members did it have by 1925?

5 million

What did the kkk emphasise that the USA was fast becoming?

A "garbage can"" of different races which needed purifying

What was the purpose of the KKK?

Assert white supremacy and to curb the recently freed negros. Use violence to intimidate black people

What was the symbol of night time meetings?

Burning cross

Why was there a decline of the KKK in the late 1920's?

In 1925, the grand dragon of Indiana, David Stephenson was found guilty of the rape and mutilation of a woman on the Chicago train.

Where was the Klan the strongest?

In the rural south where working-class white competed with black for unskilled jobs. It attracted whites of low intelligence and those looking for excitement.

What does KKK stand for?

Ku Klux Klan

Which film lead to the re-emergence and what was it about?

The Birth of a Nation It depicted the Klan saving white families from gangs of black people intent of looting.

What was the structure of the KKK?

The entire south of "The Invisible Empire" was under the direction of an "Imperial Wizard" and each state was led by a "Grand Dragon".

What was the case that many incidents didn't result in any conviction?

There was no legal evidence

What did the members wear?

White cloaks, carried American flags and took part in the elaborate ceremonies

Who were allowed to join the KKK?

Only WASPS (White Anglo Saxon Protestant) The increase in immigration into America also fuelled the rise of the KKK. The "new" KKK was still committed to maintaining white supremacy- foreigners, Jews and Catholics were excluded from membership.

How many members by 1928?

Only a few thousand, a small amount of powerful ones

What did the members practice?

Rituals, Used codes (klodes) signs, Swore blood oaths, Had "konversations"