Goals and reasons why it was founded
The Klu Klux Klan was founded in by the close of the year 1866. After its inception, this the Klu Klux Klan extended to various parts of the southern state. This was evident by the fact that four years after its inception, the Klu Klux Klan had become a well-known means through which the south could use in resisting reconstruction era policies devised by the Republican Party (McVeigh, 2009). Arguably, the Klu Klux Klan was formed in order to fight policies that advocated for equality between blacks and whites. In fighting for equality for such policies, the Klu Klux Klan advocated for extremist reactionary ways such anti-immigration, white nationalism, and white supremacy. In addition, the Klu Klux Klan waged underground violence and intimidation against black and white republican leaders.
Effectiveness of the Klu Klux Klan
As previously mentioned herein, the main goal of the Klu Klux Klan was to oppose republican policies on equal inclusion of blacks in various matters such as voting. As such, the Klu Klux Klan evolved into a paramilitary force opposing the Republican government quests to allow freedmen to vote and hold elective offices. The Klu Klux Klan was effective in a number of ways. Above all, the Klu Klux Klan was effective in that the then government disbanded it, but the violent element of this group was still eminent even after its disbandment (McVeigh, 2009). In addition, the Klu Klux Klan was effective in that it transformed into a respected part of the Democratic Party whereby a number prominent personalities enjoined to be part of it.
Impact of the Klu Klux Klan
The Klu Klux Klan impacted the South in a number of ways. More importantly, the Klu Klux Klan precipitated tensions between the black and whites in the south. This is because of the fact that the Klu Klux Klan terrorized the blacks and denied them assess to civil and political rights. In a nutshell, the Klu Klux Klan resulted in extreme hostility for Roman Catholics, socialists, Jews, communists and all other foreigners (McVeigh, 2009). This made the South intolerable for the foreigners, especially non-Christians and non-whites.
Reference
McVeigh, R. (2009). The rise of the Ku Klux Klan: Right-wing movements and national politics. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.
