The Political Influence of the Ku Klux Klan in the Early Twentieth Century

The Political Influence of the Ku Klux Klan in the Early Twentieth Century

The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) has a long and complex relationship with U.S. political parties, particularly the Democratic Party, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although their affiliations were often opportunistic and varied, their association with certain political figures and parties established a lasting impact on the political landscape of the United States.

Historical Context and Influence of the KKK

The KKK emerged in the Southern United States as a white supremacist organization during the Reconstruction era. Initially, the KKK sought to oppose Reconstruction policies and enforce racial segregation. Their influence was particularly strong in the South, where they aimed to maintain the social and political dominance of white Americans over African Americans. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the KKK had significant political clout and managed to influence local and national politics to their advantage.

Notable Members and Their Political Affiliations

Several politically prominent individuals had at least some known association with the KKK, indicating the organization's significant interwoven interests with mainstream politics. Among these notable figures were:

Nathan Bedford Forrest

A Confederate general, Nathan Bedford Forrest was one of the early leaders of the KKK. Although his leadership role was recognized, Forrest later distanced himself from the organization due to the declining influence and increasing backlash against its activities.

Benton McMillin

As a Democratic governor of Tennessee in the early 20th century, Benton McMillin had KKK affiliations. This connection highlights the KKK's ability to infiltrate and influence political offices within mainstream parties.

Earle Browder

A figure from the 1920s, Earle Browder was linked to KKK activities. His political career, which was marked by associations with the KKK, further underscores the extent to which this organization influenced political affairs during that period.

The Declining Influence of the KKK and Party Realignment

The influence of the KKK waned significantly after the 1920s. By the mid-20th century, the Democratic Party began to shift its stance on civil rights, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. This transformation led to realignments within political parties, and the KKK began to associate more with fringe groups and extremist ideologies.

It is essential to note that these affiliations are complex and often evolved over time. The political landscape of the United States has changed dramatically since the early 20th century, and the relationships between political parties and extremist groups have become more dynamic and multifaceted.

Complicated Political Affiliations and Opportunistic Support

Both political parties as well as municipal candidates running without party affiliations have shown affiliations with the KKK, or have been supported by the group at different times. In many cases, the KKK would support or oppose any candidate, Democrat or Republican, based on what was most advantageous at the time and in that specific context. For example, in Oregon, they had a Democratic Governor and a Republican Mayor of the largest city, while in Colorado, the opposite was true.

In Maine, which was as solidly Republican as the South was Democratic, both the leading Klan candidates and the leading anti-Klan candidates were Republicans. Similarly, in Oklahoma, they managed to remove a Democratic Governor, and in Kansas, they helped replace a Republican Governor with another Republican. These examples illustrate that there is no inherent association between the KKK and any political party; rather, their affiliations were often opportunistic and context-dependent.

Understanding these complexities is crucial for comprehending the historical and contemporary political landscape. It is important to avoid oversimplifying these relationships and instead view them as part of a larger, evolving political narrative.