How was the name Ku Klux Klan brought into being?
What were some of the harsher things that they did?
Thanks
-Mysterychicken
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ku_Klux_Klan
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/jimcrow/stories_org_kkk.html
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAlynching.htm
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1431932
thanks
You're welcome.
The name "Ku Klux Klan" was derived from the Greek word "kyklos," meaning circle, along with the English word "clan." The original Ku Klux Klan was founded in Pulaski, Tennessee in 1865, just after the American Civil War. It started as a social club for Confederate veterans but quickly transformed into a white supremacist terrorist organization.
As for the harsh actions carried out by the Ku Klux Klan, I must emphasize that these actions were fueled by hate, prejudice, and a desire to maintain white supremacy. Here are some of the atrocities they perpetrated:
1. Violence and Intimidation: The Ku Klux Klan engaged in acts of violence, such as lynchings, bombings, and physical assaults, primarily targeting African Americans and their allies. They used fear and intimidation tactics to suppress civil rights movements and prevent racial equality.
2. Racial Terrorism: Klan members would often wear white robes and hoods to conceal their identities while committing acts of terror. They targeted African Americans, burning their homes, churches, and schools, and even resorting to torture and murder. This reign of terror aimed to maintain white domination and undermine any progress towards racial equality.
3. Voter Suppression: Klan members actively sought to disenfranchise African Americans by using threats, violence, and voter intimidation tactics. They employed various strategies to suppress black voters, including physical violence, literacy tests, and poll taxes.
4. Political Influence: The Ku Klux Klan also sought political power, primarily in the Reconstruction era, as they aimed to ensure white control in Southern states. They used intimidation and violence to manipulate elections, overthrow democratic governments, and install leaders sympathetic to their white supremacist ideology.
These examples represent only a fraction of the Klan's activities, as their actions and impact extended far beyond these specific acts of violence. It is important to understand and acknowledge the historical context, but it is equally important to condemn such acts of hatred and work towards promoting equality and justice for all.