Hunter
First Sergeant
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2016
If one were searching for the origin of the Klan following the Civil War, an examination of the political and social situation in Tennessee would be revealing. Unionists bitter over their treatment during the war were, quite understandably, seeking revenge against Confederates using legal and illegal means. Governor William Brownlow not only countenanced this, he openly encouraged it. Regime change by Confederates through the ballot box was not an option because the Unionist-controlled legislature had disfranchised many Confederates. Therefore, creating means of self defense was the only option, and collective action along the lines of the prewar militia was logical. But to avoid a Unionist retaliation, the organization had to be secret and its membership unknown. Younger members were attracted by conducting well-publicized medieval style tournaments where knights could demonstrate their prowess. This became a fad in adjoining states and so the klan spread there.
One problem inherent with all of this was that it is impossible to control a far flung group of men, as the Civil War had demonstrated. It was even more difficult with regard to men whose identities were obscured. Use of hoods and other means of disguise not only hindered apprehension by the authorities, but prevented Klan leaders from enforcing policy and punishing violations. Thus, when it became imperative that violence be controlled so that Democrats could win the presidency and derail congressional reconstruction, the leadership was unsuccessful and the die was cast.
One problem inherent with all of this was that it is impossible to control a far flung group of men, as the Civil War had demonstrated. It was even more difficult with regard to men whose identities were obscured. Use of hoods and other means of disguise not only hindered apprehension by the authorities, but prevented Klan leaders from enforcing policy and punishing violations. Thus, when it became imperative that violence be controlled so that Democrats could win the presidency and derail congressional reconstruction, the leadership was unsuccessful and the die was cast.