What Was the Ku Klux Klan Prosecuted For?

What was the Klan prosecuted for?

The Ku Klux Klan was one of the most terroristic organizations in the world. It aimed to be against to Reconstruction government and local leaders (Out of many, p375). In my opinion, there are mainly two aspects that Klan was prosecuted for. Firstly, after reading the primary resources, I realized that the organization was antihuman. According to Joseph Addison’s description, Klan have said that they would not abuse him or whip him, but they will kill him (Congressional inquiry into Klan activities, p1). Also, Thomas Allen told that the Klan hollered twice, and then two guns were fired (Congressional Inquiry into Klan Activities, p3). It is obvious that Klan didn’t respect lives, which violated the morals. What’s more, Klan intensified the conflict between white people and African American, and their supported leaders as well. Because of their intimidatory behaviors, African American would be more disgruntled with current situation and began revolt. Therefore, without any doubts, the Klan should be prosecuted for.

What political circumstances contributed to the Klan’s formation?

The Ku Klux Klan was founded in the spring of 1868 (Out of many, p362) . During this period, there are several political circumstances that resulted its foundation. First of all, after the civil war, with the abolishment of slavery in southern American by Abraham Lincoln, the contradictory between white people and African American became more and more serious. It led to the dissatisfaction of “Radical Republicans” and large loss of white people’s profits. Then, some people were simulated to form Klan to terrorize African American and Republican allies (Out of many, p362). In addition, in February 1869, the Fifteenth Amendment ascertained the right to vote in all race (Out of many, p368). With the independence of African American, many of them chose to left the previous place and started new life, which was caused the large decline of labor force for many white people’s plantations and consequently huge loss of their profits. Furthermore, after African American gained the right to vote, they have entered the political life and could decide which party to lead the country.