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The Ku-Klux-Klan: a Racial Organisation in the United States

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Submitted By AnnaKe
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The Ku-Klux-Klan: a racial organisation in the United States

Table of Contents 1. Preface 1 2. History and development of the Ku-Klux-Klan 1 2.1 The first Klan 1 2.2 The second Klan: 1915- 1944 2 2.3 The third Klan: 1944-1976 4 2.4 The fourth Klan 5 2.5 The fifth Klan or 33-5 6 2.6 The Ku-Klux-Klan today 7 3. Structure and traditions of the Ku-Klux-Klan 8 3.1 Appearance, Symbols and Rituals 9 4. Conclusion 11 Bibliography

1. Preface No other conservative movement in the American history is as popular as the Ku-Klux-Klan, none was more militant, and none is so legendary to this day. During its 146 years long existence, the Klan has never disappeared. Even today it still has a strong attraction, not only for Americans, but also for people all over the world. From a small group, which was founded by six young men for their amusement, it developed into a nationwide terror regime in the United States. In the following text, I will describe the development of the Klan since its founding in 1866 until today and explain its structure and rites.

2. History and development of the Ku-Klux-Klan

2.1 The first Klan

On 9th April 1865, the American Civil War ended with the result that the slavery was abolished. However, the situation of the black did hardly change. Without further education, labor and civil rights they had no chance to feel free. Moreover, the "Black Codes" were introduced, which are special laws that placed restrictions on freed slaves such as prohibiting their right to vote, carrying weapons in public places and working in certain occupations. Though, the “Black Codes” were of short duration. While the people in the north were seeking reconciliation by request of Abraham Lincoln, there was a revival of the hate between north and south after the assassination of Lincoln by fanatical Southerners in 1965. This

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