What are the origins of the Ku Klux Klan?

Answer 1

The first branch of the Ku Klux Klan was established in Pulaski, Tennessee, in May, 1866. A year later a general organization of local Klan's was established in Nashville in April, 1867. Most of the leaders were former members of the Confederate Army and the first Grand Wizard was Nathan Forrest, an outstanding general during the American Civil War. During the next two years they terrorised and killed black Americans, sympathetic whites and immigrants, who they blamed for the election of Radical Republicans. Between 1868 and 1870 the Ku Klux Klan played an important role in restoring white rule in North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia. At first the main objective of white supremacy organizations such as the Ku Klux Klan was to stop black people from voting. After white governments had been established in the South the Ku Klux Klan continued to undermine the power of blacks. Successful black business's were attacked and any attempt to form black protection groups such as trade unions was quickly dealt with. Eventually the Klan targeted anyone they disliked - Jews, Catholics etc.

Answer 2

It was Christmas Eve, 1865, in the little town Pulaski, Tennessee. Six educated, middle-class young men, who also happened to be ex-Confederate soldiers, met up to start a club for fun. They were John Lester, James Crowe, John Kennedy, Calvin Jones, Richard Reed, and Frank McCord. Like university fraternities, they were going to dress up in weird costumes, have bizarre rituals, and play pranks on innocent people, all in secret. Deciding to name their club with the Greek word 'kuklos', the root of English words 'cycle' and 'circle', and 'clan' because it alliterates, they proceeded to wear sheets, masks, tall pointed hats and galloped through Pulaski, posing as dead Confederate soldier's ghosts.

Their secret club grew fast, attracting white members from other Southern towns. Soon it was found that their late-night horse rides were frightening the local black people. The members, especially ones opposed to the growing power blacks had in politics, saw how this could be used to their advantage. The activity grew to include visiting black homes at late hours, intimidating the residents, and warning them to behave themselves, or else. Before long, violence broke out. The KKK slowly morphed into the terrorist society we know it as today as a reaction to the political situation at the time.

Answer 3

The KKK started in Pulaski , Tennessee in 1866 by six confederate army veterans veterans Major James R. Crowe, Captain John Lester, John Kennedy, Calvin Jones, Richard Reed and Frank O. McCord who believed in white supremacy

Answer 4

It is said that the Ku Klux Klan started in the Southern United States. Throughout history, the Klan has grown and fizzled, and is currently ranked as a hate organization due to the beliefs of the organization.

Answer 5

The Ku Klux Klan was started by Confederate soldiers in Pulaski, Tennesse. Southerners organized secret societies. The largest being the Ku Klux Klan.

Answer 6

The first KKK was formed in Pulaski, Tennessee.

Answer 7

The first Ku Klux Klan meeting was in Pulaski, Tennessee on December 24, 1865

Answer 8

Pulaski, Tennessee

Answer 9

Tennesse