SOURCE A In 1866, the Klan was much talked about in the South. Its mysteriousness created much interest. Every issue of the local paper contained some reference to it. These notices were copied into other papers, and in this manner the way was prepared for its rapid growth which was helped by the common belief that the Klan had some great and important mission. One great concern of the time was the transition of ex-slaves to citizenship. They not only had no self- control, but many of them regarded themselves as free, not only from bondage to former masters, but from the laws of the state. The enforcement of the law had been only partially re-established and there was much disorder. But the Klan had organisation – through Grand Wizards, written constitutions and co-ordinated actions. Those who know the facts will know that the Klan was of immense service at this period of Southern history. Without it, in many sections of the South, life would have been intolerable for decent people. For a while the robberies ceased and the lawless behaved well. From a book published in 1884. The author was a member of the Ku Klux Klan. SOURCE B Although the Klan's membership was often exaggerated, it was large and it exerted a vast, terrifying power. However, its influence was never dependent on its membership but on the mystery in which its members surrounded themselves. It is an error to suppose that a majority of the male population of the South were Ku Klux. Klan supporters exaggerated claims about the Klan's size and strength. There were attempts to organise the Klan, but most Klan groups emerged where no one had organised them and developed no connection to any broader organisation. Accounts from the time are full of examples of the Klan controlling lightning bolts and being the ghosts of Confederate soldiers. These ridiculous claims made it seem more powerful than it really was. In their desire to describe the oppression of black southerners and their allies, northerners helped create the popular image of the Klan. But why care about the bizarre aspects of the Klan? What mattered about it was the pain and oppression that it inflicted. Many people did attribute great good to the Klan and remembered with gratitude the protection it gave them in the most dangerous period of their history. White southerners shared a widespread belief that their former slaves would overpower them and demand their resources and rights. However, from 1866 through to 1871 the Klan killed hundreds of black southerners and their white supporters and it drove thousands of black families from their homes and from their political rights and dignity. It inflicted real pain, injury and death. From a recent history book. SOURCE C THE WHITE MANS/GOVERNMENT THE UNION AS THE LOST CAUSE WAS. LEAGUE WORSE SLAV THAN ERY. Κ.Κ. ThNast A cartoon published in an American magazine, October 1874. SOURCE D There is plenty of evidence of a secret organisation in many parts of this State, of men who, under the cover of masks, armed with knives and other deadly weapons, do appear at night to commit violence on peaceable citizens, robbing and murdering them, inflicting on them the most cruel treatment. This organisation has become a widespread and alarming evil in this State, defying all law. Any person away from his home, wearing a mask, or disguised in costume, shall be held guilty of a high crime. From a law outlawing the Ku Klux Klan, passed by the Alabama legislature, 1868. SOURCE E Movements of the Mystic Klan A reliable correspondent writes: about a week ago the Ku Klux came into town to regulate matters. They were here from eleven p.m. to three o'clock a.m. five hundred in all. They shot one very bad black man. They also hanged three or four black men nearly dead, and whipped others severely in order to make them tell them about their nightly meetings. The strongest thing about them was that they did not hesitate to unmask themselves when asked to do so. Everyone who saw them says their horses were more beautiful than any in the country round about. They spoke little but always to a purpose. They did not disturb anyone else, nor did they take anything except a few Enfield rifles which were found in possession of some very bad black men. They called on the tax officer. What was said is not known, but it has made a great improvement in his behaviour. The visitors' arrival has been to the benefit of the community. From a Tennessee newspaper, December 1868. SOURCE F In 1868 there occurred six bloody and terrible massacres. Over two thousand persons were killed or wounded within a few weeks of the presidential election. Half of Louisiana was overrun by violence, raids, murder and riot to keep the people in constant terror until the Republicans surrendered all claims and the election was won by the Democratic Party. One of the bloodiest riots on record occurred in the parish of Saint Landy, Louisiana. The Ku Klux Klan killed and wounded over two hundred Republicans, hunting and chasing them for two days and nights, through fields and swamps. Thirteen captives were taken from the jail and shot. A pile of twenty-five dead bodies was found half-buried in the woods. Having conquered the Republicans, killed and driven off their white leaders, the Ku Klux Klan captured the masses, led them to the polls and made them vote Democrat. From a report by a committee of the US House of Representatives, 1875. SOURCE G I have never recognised the present government in Tennessee. If the militia are called out and do not interfere with anyone, I do not think there will be any fight. If they commit outrages upon the people, they and the Governor, Mr Brownlow, and his government will be swept out of existence; not a radical will be left alive. If the militia are called out, we will see it as a declaration of war because Mr Brownlow has already issued his order directing them to shoot down the Ku Klux Klan, and he calls all southern men Ku Klux Klan. There is such an organisation all over the South with about 550000 men. I intend to kill radicals and if trouble should break out, not one of them will be left alive. From an interview between General Forrest and a journalist, August 1868. Twice, Forrest denied saying most of what is in this interview – when it was published, and in 1871 during his testimony to the Ku Klux Klan hearings in Washington. Forrest was the first 'Grand Wizard' of the Ku Klux Klan.