Kristallnacht Essay Example

from Pulaski published a pamphlet explaining that the Klan represents purity and protection of homes while safeguarding vulnerable individuals such as women, children and widows of Confederate soldiers along with orphans.The white robes worn by Klansmen symbolize purity with red trimmings representing readiness to shed blood for defense purposes.The choice of colors also reflects sentimental value associated with the Confederacy.

Interestingly enough,the women residing in the South secretly designed and crafted over 400000 Klansmen robes for both horses and riders without revealing any details or secrets about them.This significant fact was mentioned in "Ku Klux Klan: A Century of Infamy" written by William Pierce Randel in 1924.

Initially facing difficulties finding officers for their den and lacking a Grand Scribe,the founders appointed Frank McCord as the original den leader with the title of Grand Cyclops.Captain Kennedy served as his chief lieutenant with the position of Grand Magi.James Crowe took on the role of Grand Turk,and Calvin Jones and Captain Lester became Night Hawks.Richard Reed was appointed their first LictorAs new members joined, they were given titles such as Ghouls. In early discussions among its founders, they sought a distinct and fear-evoking name for their secret organization. The title originated from the Greek term "kuklos," which means band or circle. James Crowe proposed splitting and modifying this word to create "Ku Klux." Considering that all six founders had Scottish ancestry, John Lester suggested adding "clan" to maintain consistency by replacing "c" with a "k," thus forming the name Ku Klux Klan. Despite being feared by African Americans in Georgia as the name of a phantom Indian chief, Clocletz was considered unoriginal and not chosen.

Once the name was established,

there arose a need for an organized structure within the Ku Klux Klan. John Kennedy, one of its most educated founders who had attended Centre College in Kentucky, found inspiration in fraternity structures and deemed them suitable for establishing the Ku Klux Klan.

After establishing its name and structure, the Ku Klux Klan realized the need for uniforms: white robes and hoods. These garments were chosen to represent purity and instill fear in their despised targets - Black individuals.

The Klan's existence can be divided into four phases: Reconstruction era, Civil Rights movements period, revival after World War II, and present-day activities. During Reconstruction, the Ku Klux Klan emerged as a seemingly innocuous organization that targeted Blacks and Republicans.The text below has been unified andwhile preserving the and their contents:

Originally founded in Pulaski, Tennessee in 1865 as a secret social club, the Ku Klux Klan evolved into a more sinister force. The Reconstruction acts and Fourteenth Amendment led to significant political and social challenges for African Americans. Local politicians known as scalawags and Northerners called carpetbaggers sought to exploit black votes for personal gain, which caused confusion. Many newly empowered black individuals turned to these opportunistic figures for assistance.

The Ku Klux Klan was established with the objective of intimidating African Americans through peculiar rituals and distinctive attire like pointed hoods and flowing robes to instill fear among them. Between 1868 and 1871, the Klan reached its peak influence by challenging aspects of Reconstruction and attempting to overthrow local governments.

In their inaugural meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, General Nathan B. Forrest - a renowned Confederate cavalry leader - assumed the role of Grand Cyclops or president. The organization

comprised local dens that adhered to three principles: firstly, providing assistance to and supporting vulnerable and oppressed individuals; secondly, safeguarding the United States Constitution along with its laws while protecting states and individuals from invasions; thirdly, aiding law enforcement efforts to prevent illegal seizure or trial unless conducted by peers.

The influence of the Klan reached beyond Tennessee into states such as Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and the Carolinas. In Louisiana, a similar white radical group called the Knights of White Camellia emerged alongside the KKK. Other organizations with names like White League and Invisible Circle also existed. Despite having significant membership numbers, the Klan did not gain expected visibility and local groups quickly became infamous as outlaws facing condemnation. To combat these local groups and maintain control over local elections, the government implemented Force Laws in 1871-1872. However, despite this intervention, the Ku Klux Klan persisted until their goals were achieved: safeguarding white interests, suppressing black voting rights, removing undesired carpetbaggers and scalawags from power, and undermining Congress' laws that aimed to empower a party supported by black voters. The original Klan disbanded in 1877 when Rutherford B. Hayes became president and federal troops withdrew support for local governments. In 1915 at Stone Mountain near Atlanta, Ga., William J. Simmons established a new Klan focused on white supremacy which expanded further with the addition of Edward Clark Young and Elizabeth Tyler in 1919.The Klan's targets went beyond African Americans to include Roman Catholics, Jews, and foreign-born individuals in their quest to protect the purity of native-born white Anglo-Saxon Americans. The Klan's influence spread throughout the country and they were known for their secretive gatherings featuring burning

crosses and members wearing masks, hoods, and robes. These gatherings served as symbols of the Klan itself. The tactics used by the Klan included whipping, tarring and feathering, branding, mutilation, and lynching. In 1921, Young and Tyler resigned due to investigations into the Klan's finances and Hiram W. Evans became the new leader. At its peak in the early 1920s, the Klan boasted a membership between 4 million to 6 million members. They successfully supported various local officials' elections as a political force and even played a role in dividing the Democratic presidential convention in 1924. However, public opinion turned against them after an Indiana Klan leader was convicted of murder leading to a decline in their influence. There was a resurgence of Klan activity during Al Smith's 1928 presidential campaign but their numbers continued to decrease over time. By the 1930s, they had become an ineffective regional organization primarily operating in the South. During that period, there were some connections between them and the German-American Bund to some extent.In this text while keeping intact:

The Ku Klux Klan expanded their targets beyond African Americans to also include Roman Catholics,
Jews,
and foreign-born individuals with
the aim
of protecting
the purity of native-born white Anglo-Saxon Americans
based on stronger moral
and religious beliefs.
Their influence extended nationwide,
not limited
to one specific region.
Recognized for holding secret meetings where burning crosses were featured,
members wore masks,
hoods,
and robes;
these gatherings symbolized
the very essence
of
the Ku Klux Klan itself.
In their efforts,
the Klan employed various tactics such as whipping,
tarring and feathering,
branding, mutilation
and lynching.
By 1921,
Young and Tyler resigned from their positions
following investigations into the Klan's finances;
Hiram W. Evans then assumed leadership.
During its peak in the early 1920s,
the Klan

boasted a membership of between 4 million to 6 million individuals.
As a political force,
they effectively supported the elections of local officials
and even played a role in dividing the Democratic presidential convention in 1924.
However, public sentiment turned against them after an Indiana Klan leader was convicted of murder,
leading to a decline in their influence.
While there was a resurgence of Klan activity during Al Smith's Democratic presidential campaign in 1928,
their numbers continued to dwindle over time.
By the 1930s, they had transformed into an ineffective regional organization primarily active in the South.In 1944, during the collection of back taxes by the U.S. government, the Klan disbanded once again. However, in 1946 in Georgia, a third stage emerged with a revived Klan and similar organizations appearing throughout Southern states. This was due to increased civil rights movement for blacks following World War II. The Supreme Court's desegregation decision in 1954 and the passing and enforcement of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 further intensified the actions of the Klan. Most Southern political leaders chose to comply with this law. The Klan committed numerous bombings and murders, including the killing of Mrs. Viola Liuzzo, a civil rights worker, in 1965. Three Klansmen were convicted for this crime. President Lyndon B. Johnson called for a congressional investigation by the House Committee on Un-American Activities. In 1966, seven prominent Klansmen were indicted for contempt of Congress after refusing to provide records.

The Ku Klux Klan, also known as the Klan, experienced a revival in modern times after facing various challenges marking its fourth stage of existence.However,in each reappearance,the Klan displayed increasing anger and weaker convictions compared to previous iterations,resulting in its gradual loss

of meaning over timeThe Klan in its present form is drastically different from its origins. Today's members are often described as ignorant radicals who have a mission to save the world. They have been convicted of burning down Black churches, which exposes their ignorance and hypocrisy regarding their stated beliefs. Interestingly, this action goes against what is written in the Bible about respecting places of worship belonging to others. On television, the Klan is depicted as uneducated, intoxicated, and aggressive men who assert that they are defending their ancestors' legacy. These ancestors formed a secret group out of fear of losing their previous lives after the Civil War but failed to focus on finding solutions for the future. Unfortunately, present-day Neo-Nazis have adopted these beliefs and also make appearances on TV shows. Consequently, the current Klan has incorporated elements from both the original Ku Klux Klan and Hitler's Nazis into its ideology. The main emphasis for the Klan/Neo-Nazis is hatred and resentment towards African-Americans, expanding their animosity to compensate for declining convictions. This new incarnation of the Klan has gained notoriety for promoting extreme ideologies and resorting to violence despite having a relatively small membership. It represents shallow beliefs such as hate, jealousy, and anger expressed through violent acts. The iconic symbols associated with the Ku Klux Klan include the Blood Drop symbol from the 1920s, which supposedly represents Jesus' blood shed for the white Aryan Race.

The text highlights various symbols, including the crosswheel from the 1970s, which combines elements such as the Christian cross, wheel of creativity, circle of unity and motion, and an ancient Aryan sun symbol within a circle. The Ku Klux

Klan also adopted the practice of lighting crosses on fire, drawing inspiration from sacred pages in the Holy Bible that portray sacrifice, service, and Christianity. It emphasizes how millions of martyrs sanctified the Cross through suffering and bloodshed for their faith almost 2000 years ago. The significance of this ancient symbol found in every Klan Den is to remind believers that Jesus Christ guides their morals and His teachings are vital for survival. The Cross has transformed into a representation of faith, hope, and love soaked in Jesus Christ's blood. Currently used to unite Christians against those who oppose Christ, America, and the White Race. When set ablaze, this Cross signifies how Jesus illuminates the world while eradicating evil darkness, gloominess,and despair. Similar to how fire purifies valuable metals but destroys wood and stubble,the Light of Truth dispels ignorance and superstition.By embracing Calvary's Cross we cleanse our virtues while eliminating vices through His Word's power.Simply gazing upon this magnificent symbol or basking in its holy light fills one with an inspiring desire and unwavering determination to become a better individual.It is through this sacred illumination that we will endureKlansmen display their dedication to their beliefs by igniting crosses. However, when they first established themselves, they did not actively recruit new members. Joining the Klan is a personal choice as den officers do not pressure or persuade individuals seeking membership. The Knights of the Ku Klux Klan has specific requirements for membership, including pledging allegiance to the United States Constitution and committing to protect and advance the White Race. Interested individuals must be pure White Christian individuals of non-Jewish, non-Negro, and non-Asian descent who are at

least eighteen years old. They must also pledge their lives to this cause and participate in real Brotherhood.

Those under eighteen can join the Klan Youth Corp with parental consent and transition to full membership upon turning eighteen. The organization places great importance on upholding the law and principles of justice without engaging in unlawful or violent crimes with others. Additionally, it respects every Christian citizen's right to worship God freely without any denominational dissent. The Knights of the Ku Klux Klan Movement considers uniting all White Christians crucial in this critical historical momentDespite its significant political influence, the Ku Klux Klan denies being a political group. The text suggests that they advocate for certain beliefs, including reinforcing America's White Christian Heritage and reintroducing prayers in schools. They also support dissolving non-white organizations and implementing drug testing for welfare recipients. Additionally, they believe in isolating individuals with AIDS and preventing foreigners from purchasing US industry and property. The Klan opposes Affirmative Action and sees gun control laws as unconstitutional.

These political beliefs primarily benefit white conformists who reject societal changes. However, today's society strives for equality among all American citizens, which the Klan opposes because they feel resentful about having to work hard like immigrants for jobs. Instead, they demand handouts without qualifications.

Those unafraid of hard work should not be bothered by equality. The opinions of the Ku Klux Klan hold no weight in today's society where success is not easily obtained. Rather than breeding hatred towards hardworking individuals, complaining, criticizing, and envying achieve nothing.

Despite facing numerous challenges, the long-standing organization of the Ku Klux Klan persists and continues to manipulate young mindsFunctioning covertly, this group plays

a role in the segregation of the United States based on color or beliefs. By promoting racism, the Klan keeps it alive, as its members, lacking knowledge and understanding of other cultures, refrain from mingling or learning. Choosing to hate the unfamiliar is a convenient and secure approach to living. If the Klan made an effort to understand other cultures, they might come to the realization that everyone is similar in some way.

Education is the most effective method to eradicate the Klan. Education serves as a means of prevention. If children are not taught that the Ku Klux Klan represents evil intentions, they could be lured into joining their malevolent organization.Educating both the youth and society is the sole efficient approach to dismantle the Ku Klux Klan and similar secretive groups.

The crucial thing is to always remember the events that occurred with the Klan, so that thw world can avoid experiencing difficulties caused by the Ku Klux Klan. The Klan originated in Tennessee and has undergone four stages of evolution.The identifiable organization is characterized by its unique symbols and adheres to particular recruitment standards.Moreover, it maintains a biased political viewpoint that it aspires to achieve in future times.