Secret hisotry of the KKK

e 8 main theories discussed in class, which can be applied to the history of the Klan, as portrayed in the video?

-State and Racial Formation -Ideology and Oppositional Culture -Gendered Racism -Group Position -Internal Colonialism -Middleman Minority -Ethnic Enclave -Allport's Theory of Contact

What minority groups were targeted by the Klan (or what groups did they oppose)?

Blacks, Jews, Catholics & immigrants

What were the Klan's goals toward newly freed black Americans after the Civil War?

Goals - to frighten them, to intimidate them, and keep them from the voting booths

Who is David Duke?

He became the grand wizard of the KKK. He set out to clean up the image of the Klan.

What Northern state had virtually its entire government dominated by the Klan during the 1920s? What led to the downfall of the Klan leader of this state?

Indiana. David Stephenson raped and beat Madge Oberholtzer, held her captive overnight, and did not get her medical help. She died of the injuries 17 days later. While on her deathbed, she identified Stephenson. He was charged with 2nd degree murder, tried and convicted.

How did the Klan seek to broaden its appeal to white Americans in the early 20th century?

It cloaked it's goals in good, right, just, and patriotic order for American born Protestants only. It used flags and the church to appeal to the people. It used 100% American as a slogan. It was not only anti-Black but also anti-Jew, Catholic and immigrant. It tapped into the fear of White Americans.

Who was killed by Klan members in Mississippi in response to the Freedom Summer project?

Micky Schwerner, Andrew Goodman, and James Chaney

Why did historians describe the Klan as a "victim of its own success" in the period following the end of Reconstruction in the South?

The Klan had become so violent and successful that it forced laws to be passed to deal with it and disband it.

How was the Klan portrayed in the film Birth of a Nation? How was this film received in mainstream society (including President Woodrow Wilson)?

The Klan was portrayed as heroic and noble, a heroic force and defender of white womanhood against the freed slaves. The film was received favorably and endorsed by many whites and increased hatred towards Blacks. Blacks reacted in horror.

Why were many Klan members often not punished by local or state law enforcement for their crimes? What is Jury Nullification?

The jury was typically made up of all white males who believed in what the defendant did. Members of the Klan were also no juries. Jury nullification - when the jury returns a not guilty verdict even though there is enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant broke the law.

How did the U.S. Congress respond to Klan violence in the 1870s?

The passed the Reinforcement Act & the Ku Klux Klan Act, making it a felony for two or more people to go in disguise with the purpose of depriving an individual of ay civil rights or privileges.

What actions were taken by Alabama Attorney General William Baxley in the 1970s once he re-opened the investigation of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing from the 1960s?

There was an investigation. He zeroed in on the lead suspect, Dynamite Bob Chambliss. He prosecuted Chambliss 15 years later and Chambliss was found guilty of murder and sent to prison.

How did U.S. President Lyndon Johnson and the F.B.I. respond to the murder of Civil Rights volunteers in Mississippi? What did President Johnson say about the Ku Klux Klan while in office?

There was an investigation. The FBI infiltrated the Klan using paid informants to drain the swamp. The US Justice Department got involved and sough federal indictments against Klansmen for violating their civil rights. LBJ said they threaten he peace of every community where they exist. The Klan does not serve the United States but a hooded society of bigots.

What action did Klan members take against the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama? What were the consequences of their actions? What crimes were the Klan members charged with at the time?

They bombed the church. Consequences - The FBI investigated it and that lead to some being charged with dynamite possession initially. At the state level there were no arrests and no charges for the act.

How did the Klan seek to respond to the Civil Rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s?

They founded United Klans of America and became more militant and violent. They used intimidation, beating, economic boycott and murder.

What role did Klan members play in the riot which occurred in Greensboro, NC in 1979?

They inflicted deadly vengeance against the protesters. They killed 5 members of the Communist Workers' Party, who were protesting that day.

Where and when did the KKK originate? What were the main motives of the men who founded the Klan?

Where - Pulaski Tennessee When - June 9, 1866 Founded as a social organization initially. Main motives were to have a group that would stand up for white rights.

What role has the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) played in responding to crimes committed by members of the Klan?

SPLC set up Klan watch and they pursued litigation of Klan crimes.