Ku+Klux+Klan


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The Ku Klux Klan was originally founded in Pulaski, Tennessee. The group of Confederate veterans came together to form a secret society called the 'Ku Klux Klan'. The name came from the Greek word //kyklos, meaning "circle," and the Scottish-Gaelic word "clan," most likely used to make it an alliteration. These people hated African Americans who had rights and could do things white people could do. //

The purpose of the Klan was to get rid of blacks and give them less rights. Clan members could be anyone from anywhere, but the leaders were often landholding and professionally elite. The KKK would wear white clothing with tall hats shaped like cones and a symbol on their clothes. They have complicated initiation ceremonies. This ceremony was required to get into the Klan. The Ku Klux Klan used burning crosses often. If they knew of someone who treated African Americans fairly, they would put a cross in their yard and burn it. The burning light was a symbol of showing the supremacy of whites.

In the book, the Klan and its members attempt to lynch Tom Robinson and Atticus if needed. Scout stops them, though, by talking to Mr.Cunningham about his children and financial status. Her innocence of not knowing what was happening stopped them from lynching their father and his client. Atticus said that KKK hadn't been in Maycomb in a long time. One possibility for their sudden appearance was that they heard about Atticus's case. The Ku Klux Klan did not seem as bad then because everyone discriminated blacks.

Today, the Klan can still be found mostly in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Texas, and Michigan. It continues to operate on a local level, sometimes participating in illegal acts of violence. The number of members has also decreased to be in the thousands. The Klan has also became more marginalized because American society has became less racial.

There were three different eras of the Klan. The first one was created on December 24, 1865 and lasted throughout the 1870s. The second Klan was from 1915 to 1944. The third Klan was from 1945 to present time. There is one thing in common with all three eras. Their goal was (and is) to show that whites are superior to blacks. Throughout the history of the Klan, it has always affected society in one way or another. This can be seen in the book, as well as in our society today.