As many people know, the KKK targeted African Americans. However, what people fail to realize is that it was the first generation of the KKK that targeted only African Americans. After the Civil War, when local government in the South was weak or nonexistent, there were fears of black outrages. Many informal, armed patrols were created, but the KKK was known as the best. The KKK was formed in Pulaski, Tennessee in 1866. They were able to achieve their aims through terror, whipping, and lynchings. In Georgia, Abraham Colby, an organizer and leader in the black community, was whipped for hours in front of his wife and children by the KKK.
In the early 20th century, a surge in immigration sparked rage and hostility, causing the second generation of the Klan to form. In 1950, a second generation of the Klan was organized. This generation took a stand against not only African Americans, but Roman Catholics, Jews, foreigners, and organized labor as well. They fueled off of anger and fear of a communist revolution. They began to carry out bombings, beatings, and shootings of the people that they saw as inferior. In January 1871, 500 masked klansmen attacked the Union county jail and lynched eight black prisoners. By 1920, the Klan's membership exceeded 4 million people nationwide.
The third generation only targeted African Americans just as the first generation had done. However, the third generation of the KKK only took place in the deep South, The present day KKK targets more political and racial reasons such as integrated schools and immigration.
In the early 20th century, a surge in immigration sparked rage and hostility, causing the second generation of the Klan to form. In 1950, a second generation of the Klan was organized. This generation took a stand against not only African Americans, but Roman Catholics, Jews, foreigners, and organized labor as well. They fueled off of anger and fear of a communist revolution. They began to carry out bombings, beatings, and shootings of the people that they saw as inferior. In January 1871, 500 masked klansmen attacked the Union county jail and lynched eight black prisoners. By 1920, the Klan's membership exceeded 4 million people nationwide.
The third generation only targeted African Americans just as the first generation had done. However, the third generation of the KKK only took place in the deep South, The present day KKK targets more political and racial reasons such as integrated schools and immigration.