What Happened On December 24th?

The Ku Klux Klan (KKK), one of the most notorious and divisive organizations in American history, was founded on December 24, 1865. The organization’s name itself, “Ku Klux,” is believed to be derived from the Greek word “kuklos,” meaning circle, combined with the English word “clan.” The Klan’s inception is labeled as a dark period in America’s narrative, as it sought to assert white supremacy through intimidation, violence, and terrorism.

In the aftermath of the Civil War, the United States faced a tumultuous period of reconstruction, attempting to heal the wounds of a divided nation as well as redefine the status of newly freed African Americans. The Confederate South struggled with the economic and social consequences of defeat, creating a breeding ground for resentment and racial animosity.

On December 24, 1865, in Pulaski, Tennessee, six former Confederate soldiers, inspired by a mix of racial prejudice, opposition to Reconstruction policies, and a desire to restore white supremacy, gathered to form the Ku Klux Klan. The original Klan was a secret society that employed intimidation tactics, violence, and terrorism to undermine the efforts of Reconstruction and suppress African American political and economic advancement.

The primary targets of the Ku Klux Klan were African Americans and white Republicans who supported Reconstruction policies. The Klan aimed to restore white dominance by suppressing black political participation, economic progress, and civil rights. Their violent tactics included beatings, lynchings, and acts of domestic terrorism, all perpetrated under the cover of darkness.

As the Klan’s violence escalated, the federal government took steps to suppress its activities. The Force Acts of 1870 and 1871 enabled authorities to prosecute Klan members for their crimes. While these measures led to a decline in Klan activities, the organization experienced periodic revivals throughout American history, notably in the 1920s and during the Civil Rights era in the mid-20th century.

How Can We Do Better?

The Ku Klux Klan’s beliefs and actions are shameful and tragic, as racial hatred and violence were wielded as tools of social and political control. Confronting this history is crucial for understanding the persistent challenges of racism and inequality that continue to shape the United States today.

Now that we know about the history, what can we learn from a dark past? What are actions we can take to promote racial and social justice?