After the Civil War, many white southerners were faced with the possibility that their rank in the social hierarchy would become disrupted. Now that former slaves were no longer controlled by their owner’s whip, white supremacists had to find alternative means to keep African Americans suppressed. One method of subjugation was making it difficult for African Americans to leave agriculture and seek out other employment. For example, since white women worked in cotton mills, African American men were often turned away in order to protect white womanhood. Another technique utilized to prevent African Americans from exercising their rights as free citizens, was violence. The Ku Klux Klan, KKK, members used strategies employed by the antebellum patrol system to maintain white authority. These
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In 1965, the Klan had 192 units and an estimation of 8,000 to 10,000 enrolled members. These staggering numbers exceeded figures recorded in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi combined. Cunningham argues that one of the reasons why the UKA was successful at recruiting large numbers of followers was because the UKA advertised itself to be family friendly. Clyde Newborn, a veteran Klansman, believed that the UKA and KKK were interested in nothing more than the civic improvement of the South. Klaverns would often host large social events that the whole family could attend, such as turkey shoots and family lunches. Cunningham also mentions that the Klan would provide services, such as hospital insurance, to male members that could be extended to their families. Even though women were not allowed to be part of the UKA, many of the Klansmen wives would become Klansladies. These women would often prepare food for rallies and organize charity events, for instance sending care packages to soldiers in
In 1965, the Klan had 192 units and an estimation of 8,000 to 10,000 enrolled members. These staggering numbers exceeded figures recorded in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi combined. Cunningham argues that one of the reasons why the UKA was successful at recruiting large numbers of followers was because the UKA advertised itself to be family friendly. Clyde Newborn, a veteran Klansman, believed that the UKA and KKK were interested in nothing more than the civic improvement of the South. Klaverns would often host large social events that the whole family could attend, such as turkey shoots and family lunches. Cunningham also mentions that the Klan would provide services, such as hospital insurance, to male members that could be extended to their families. Even though women were not allowed to be part of the UKA, many of the Klansmen wives would become Klansladies. These women would often prepare food for rallies and organize charity events, for instance sending care packages to soldiers in