Second KKK

Definition

The Second Ku Klux Klan, formed in the early 1920s, was a revival of the original Klan that had been established during Reconstruction. Unlike its predecessor, this iteration emphasized not only white supremacy but also nativism, anti-Catholic sentiment, and anti-immigrant attitudes. It became a nationwide organization, gaining significant political power and influence during the 1920s, primarily through its use of mass rallies, parades, and community engagement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second KKK reached its peak membership in the mid-1920s, claiming to have about four million members nationwide.
2. This version of the Klan expanded its focus beyond race to include anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic ideologies, targeting groups like Jews and Catholics as well as African Americans.
3. The Klan used modern marketing techniques and organized public events to promote its agenda, effectively utilizing parades and rallies to attract followers.
4. Many politicians in the 1920s were sympathetic to the Klan, leading to its significant influence in local and state elections across the United States.
5. The Second KKK began to decline towards the end of the decade due to internal corruption scandals and increasing public backlash against its violent tactics.

Review Questions

• What were some of the primary ideologies promoted by the Second KKK, and how did they differ from the original Klan?
  • The Second KKK focused on a broader set of ideologies compared to the original Klan. While white supremacy remained central, this iteration added nativism, anti-Catholic sentiment, and anti-immigrant beliefs to its platform. The original Klan was more focused on resisting Reconstruction policies and African American rights, whereas the Second KKK sought to protect what it considered American values against perceived threats from various immigrant groups.
• Analyze the impact of the Second KKK on American society during the 1920s in terms of political power and public perception.
  • The Second KKK significantly impacted American society during the 1920s by gaining considerable political power and influencing local and state governments. Many politicians openly supported or were affiliated with the Klan, allowing it to shape policies and community attitudes. However, as public awareness grew regarding its violent tactics and discriminatory practices, perceptions began to shift, leading to growing opposition that would ultimately contribute to its decline.
• Evaluate how the rise and fall of the Second KKK reflected broader social changes in America during the 1920s.
  • The rise of the Second KKK mirrored broader social changes in America during the 1920s, including increased immigration, urbanization, and shifts in cultural norms. As African Americans migrated northward and new immigrant groups arrived, tensions heightened among different racial and ethnic communities. The Klan's eventual decline reflected a growing backlash against intolerance and racism, highlighting a societal struggle between progressive ideals and reactionary forces amid rapid change. This period underscored conflicts over identity and belonging that would continue to evolve in American society.

Related terms

Nativism:

A political policy favoring the interests of established inhabitants over those of immigrants, often manifesting in discrimination against new arrivals.

Prohibition:

The nationwide ban on alcohol production and sale in the United States from 1920 to 1933, which was supported by many Klan members as part of their moral crusade.

Great Migration:

The movement of over six million African Americans from the rural South to urban areas in the North and West between 1916 and 1970, which contributed to racial tensions that fueled Klan activities.