Ku Klux Klan

Though several groups have used the name Ku Klux Klan in American history, none has had the national appeal of the second Klan. Formed in the second decade of the 20th century, at a time in which a new America—defined by urbanization, industrialization, and immigration—was emerging, the hooded order's rebirth corresponded to a wave of nationalism, nativism, and religious fervor. Claiming to be the voice for all “100 percent” Americans, the Klan found that by the mid-1920s, millions of men and women had joined its ranks. And yet, by the end of the decade, the group had all but disappeared. The fall of the Klan came when its members discovered that the new America really was not as threatening as they had first believed and when corruption at the top cast doubts on the purity of the Klan's crusade.

The second Klan has been one of the most debated organizations in American history. The scholars who wrote at the time of the Klan's rebirth wanted to label it a rural (often a code word for unsophisticated) phenomenon that was resisting the new urban reality of American life. Studies since the 1960s, however, have tended to discredit this assertion. The second Klan was popular in both rural and urban communities of all sizes, with a membership that was largely middle class.

The Klan claimed to stand for Protestantism, Patriotism, and Prohibition, all of which were popular [Page 418]themes, and all of which had other defenders and proponents in the wider American society. Indeed, the Klan pioneered very little when it came to rhetoric, but largely adapted for its own purposes ideas and issues that had long been a part of the American civic discourse. Its innovation was to portray itself as an active defender of American culture. The Klan further capitalized on these ideas by creating women's chapters, and in some areas of the country, “junior Klans” for children. All told, the Klan portrayed itself not just as defending family values but also as being family-friendly.

However, the second Klan's hallmarks were racism—especially antiblack racism—and religious persecution, directed especially at Catholicism and Semites. Cross burning, lynching, and other orchestrated violence against its foes were some of the Klan's most visible tactics.

The secret to the Klan's appeal came in its packaging. While it originated in the South, where the first Klan had been formed during Reconstruction and was deeply concerned with oppressing African Americans who challenged the color line, its success nationally came by tapping into the fears, pride, and routine of white, native-born, American Protestants. The second Klan was able to portray itself as the defender of traditional values against Catholic immigrants, without threatening mainline Protestant churches. Wrapping itself in the flag—during a time of heightened patriotism, thanks to World War I—the Klan was able to claim to be pro-America without having to explain what that meant. Furthermore, the Klan positioned itself as yet another fraternal lodge or secret society during a period in which Americans were joining such organizations in droves.

The Klan spread its message by using all the tools of modern America. It made movies and made news (using newspapers it owned) to get its message across. Klan leaders had a great sense of drama and knew how to play to crowds. They especially loved to use parades and public speaking events to attract attention to both the group and its message. Such activities promoted a spirit of community at a time when many Americans worried that civic identity was being lost.

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