There was some justification for a secret vigilante organization like the Klan in the early years following the Civil War, when Union troops still occupied the Southern States, Carpet-bagging political con-artists dominated all local government and law enforcement, and corruption and theft were common behavior by those in power. My grandfather said that they were active in civil emergencies like fires and floods, in helping to clothe and feed the poor, and in making sure that land and business owners weren't dispossessed.

When the Reconstruction ended in the late 1870's though, and the justification for its existence was removed, the organization had grown widespread and powerful, and began to focus its efforts primarily on the racist doctrines that had always been a part of it.It's opposition to the influx of immigrants at the turn of the century, and its opposition to Socialist movements in the 20s and 30s gave the Klan additional surges back into popularity, and the continuing life of this organization lies not in its philosophy of hate, but in its ability to appeal to the angry and disaffected. Witness its rebirth during the Civil Rights movement of the 60s and again among the American farmers who have been losing their land in the 80s and 90s.