The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) is a notorious white supremacist organization that has engaged in acts of terrorism, violence, and intimidation throughout American history. Since its inception, it has undergone several transformations, with different factions emerging and disappearing over time.
The original KKK was founded in 1865 in Pulaski, Tennessee, by a group of Confederate veterans who sought to maintain white supremacy in the aftermath of the Civil War. Its initial targets were African Americans, who were subjected to lynchings, beatings, and other forms of brutality. The group spread rapidly throughout the southern United States, employing terror tactics to enforce racial segregation and suppress black political and economic advancement.
The KKK's resurgence in the 20th century brought new waves of violence and intimidation, primarily targeting civil rights activists, African Americans, and other minority groups. During this time, the organization gained national prominence, attracting members from various walks of life, including politicians, law enforcement officers, and even some clergy.