The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) is a far-right organization formed in the United States based on white supremacy, white nationalism, and anti-immigration beliefs. The KKK first formed in 1865 and has had three periods of prominence since. The first KKK aimed to restore white supremacy through violence against black people and Republicans from 1865-1870s. The second KKK rose again from 1915-1944 and had over 6 million members. The current third KKK still operates with around 5,000-6,000 members today and is considered a terrorist organization by many.

1. The Ku Klux Klan (KKK)
Oliver, Harley and Matt.

2. What is the KKK?
• The KKK are a far right organization formed in
the United States. They base their beliefs on
white supremacy, white nationalism and anti-
immigration. The group first formed in 1865
and have had three stints since. They still exist
to this day.

3. Start and End Dates
• 1st Klan – 1865-1870’s
• 2nd Klan – 1915-1944
• 3rd Klan – Since 1946

4. First Klan
• The Klan was first brought about in 1885 in
Tennessee by six veterans of the Confederate
Army.
• The Klan’s aim was to restore white supremacy
through threats and violence against black and
white republicans.
• The Klan would patrol areas and attack people
who didn’t fit their criteria. Mainly black people.
• The Klan slow started to decline and
consequently ended in the 1870’s due to
resistance from other groups.

5. Second Klan
• The second Klan was found in 1915 in Atlanta,
however was only put into action from 1921
onwards.
• The second Klan adopted the burning of a Latin
cross as their symbol. The burning of a cross was
used as a symbol of intimidation.
• This period saw the highest number of members,
peaking at six million.
• The Klan ended in 1944 as a result of internal
divisions, criminal behaviour by leaders and
external opposition.

6. Third Klan
• The third Klan was re-born in 1946 and is still
present.
• The Klan currently have around 5000-6000
members and operate an official website.
• Today, many people class the KKK as a
‘Terrorist Organisation’.

7. Facts
• As the KKK hit it’s peak, it’s leader known as the Imperial
Wizard, was actually a dentist called Hiram Wesley Evans.
• The Klan adopted their name from Greek word ‘kuklos’.
• In the late 1930’s/40’s the Klan was financed by Nazi
Germany.
• The KKK started as a result of the Civil War, many White
Americans did not agree with the abolishment of slavery.
• In an attempt to get a foot in education, the Klan bought
Lanier University in Atlanta. The school was to teach “Pure
100% Americanism”.
• As well as burning a cross to intimidate. The Klan also
burned the cross to light up the night and is believed to
bring Jesus back.

8. Costume
• During the first period, the Klan had no set
colour or set costume. However in the second
period, the Klan adopted white robes with
hoods. White is associated with purity and
with the KKK being 100% Americanism this
was an obvious choice.
• Furthermore, as their faces are covered up, it
imposes an intimidating feel, whilst removing
their identity.

9. The KKK Summary Video
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CTG58jIl
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