The Ku Klux Klan, also known as KKK originated in Pulaski, Tennessee. The KKK were founded on December 24, 1865. The name “Ku Klux Klan” was derived from the Greek word kyklos, meaning “Circle,” and the Scottish-Gaelic word “Clan.” The KKK was involved in terrorist raids against African Americans and white Republicans at night, employing intimidation, destruction of property, being imprudent, assault, and murder to achieve its aims and influence upcoming elections, and many other vicious acts.
The Ku Klux Klan’s declared mission was to “maintain the supremacy of the white race in the United States.” In order to do that, they believed it was right to wipe out the African American race. Some of the Ku Klux Klan’s membered were; Harry Truman, Robert Byrd, Edward, Douglass White, Hugo Black, Theodore G. Bilbo, Rice W. Means, Bibb Graves, Edward L. Jackson, Clifford Walker, George Gordon, John Clinton Porter, and Warren G. Harding. Although there were many other members of KKK, not all of them were identified.
Founded in 1865, the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) extended into almost every southern state by 1870. Its members began an underground campaign of intimidation and violence directed at white and black republican leaders. Through Congress passed legislation designed to curb Klan terrorism. The Organization saw its primary goal-(the reestablishment of white supremacy)-fulfilled through Democratic victories in state legislatures across the South in the 1870s. After a period of rejection and decline, while Protestant nativist groups revived the Klan in the early 20th century, burning crosses and staging rallies, parades and marches denouncing immigrants, Catholics, Jews, Blacks and organized labor. Also, the civil rights movement of the 1960s saw a surge of Ku Klux Klan activity, including bombings of black schools and churches and violence against black and white activists in the South.
The KKK impacted life in America because they were originally started after The American Civil War, and the Union had taken control of the law.