The Ku Klux Klan (KKK; Group Profile) is one of the oldest white supremacist organizations in the United States . At the height of its activities, members regularly engaged in violent acts, to include lynchings, cross burnings, and other intimidation tactics aimed at terrorizing specific, predetermined enemies. The KKK has experienced several growth cycles throughout its history that often correlate with periods of dynamic social change. The group first emerged after the end of the Civil War and quickly expanded in size and organizational structure. Violence was primarily directed against former slaves; however, key northern individuals were also targeted in attacks. However, violence and lawlessness escalated to such a degree that leaders eventually disbanded the organization.
In the 1920s, the KKK experienced its first revival, in which members began to exploit fears over the influx of immigrants that began to arrive in the US and thus expanded its list of targets to include Catholics, Jews, and individuals believed to be engaged in ?immoral? behavior. The KKK soon attracted over 100,000 members; however, corrupt leadership eventually led to the group?s downfall. After WWII, members attempted to reunify the organization, and a degree of cohesion was achieved throughout the Civil Rights movement. Yet, the KKK was unable to reach its former level of activity and membership. Throughout each of these cycles, the KKK played upon public fears to attract support, but each growth attempt ultimately failed due largely to inadequate and corrupt leadership.
Recent Growth
In the late 1990s, KKK membership was at an all-time low. According to a new Anti-Defamation League report, the group has recently experienced significant growth, as members have preyed on anti-immigrant sentiment and other inflammatory issues such as gay marriage and urban crime to draw support and increase membership. According to the report, the KKK has expanded in several ways:
KKK base groups have increased their activities, to include organizing large-scale events, such as ?Unity Gatherings? that incorporate cross burnings and numerous speakers. These longstanding groups have also expanded in membership and have undertaken activities in areas of the country where they did not previously operate.
New groups have also emerged throughout the country, organizing rallies and distributing pamphlets. These groups have expanded both within individual states and across regions.
The KKK is expanding geographically and is now active in areas of the country where it did not previously have a strong presence. In addition to chapters throughout the south, the KKK engages in activities in the Midwest, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Great Plains.
KKK members are increasingly collaborating with other white supremacist groups, most notably the neo-Nazi movement . Klan groups are holding joint events with neo-Nazis, and some are adopting their slogans, symbols, and other trademarks. Specifically, the KKK has increased the number of activities it undertakes with the National Socialist Movement (NSM; Group Profile).
The KKK has implemented new publicity measures, such as placing pamphlets inside local papers, distributing fliers to schools, and participating in programs like ?adopt a highway.? The group has also increased its use of the Internet.
Will This Trend Continue?
The continued success of the recent KKK resurgence will largely depend on the group?s leadership and their ability to organize events, maintain publicity, and prevent fragmentation and drifting membership. Corruption among leadership will also damage the group?s activities and expansion, as demonstrated in past attempts at significant growth. However, the use of the Internet will allow for other individuals supporting the white supremacist movement to access information and offer support. While membership in the KKK is still believed to be relatively small, the recent resurgence is a trend worth watching due to the criminal and violent activities of the group?s members.
