They were seen as the "good guys" defending the civilian populace from rampaging blacks. Criticism of this portrayal of the KKK led to Griffith making "Intolerance" as a form of apology.
As heroes.
The film Birth of a Nation
The Ku Klux Klan was formed.
The film portrayed the KKK as heroes.
The showing of "Birth of a Nation".
second era of the Ku Klux Klan
People were inspired to form a new Ku Klux Klan.
Birth of a Nation portrayed the Ku Klux Klan as a civic organization.
Ku Klux Klan
The Ku Klux Klan
The Ku Klux Klan
The Ku Klux Klan