Klu Klux Klan
...lled the Grand Wizard. Secret clubs were established with the intent of raising the ex-slaves into political power over the Southern Whites. It soon became almost "anything-goes," with the ex-slaves abusing and threatening whites at every turn, causing the beaten down Southern whites to live in much fear. The Union League, militia and ex-slaves patrolled all the streets, harassing and threatening all the wives and daughters of the towns. In the beginning, the Klan was organized by a small group of men to have fun. To hide their identity, these ex-soldiers wore robes and hoods, draped sheets over their horses, and rode at night. However, they noticed that many ex-slaves saw these strange horsemen and thought they were the ghosts of dead Confederate soldiers. This caused many rebellious ex-slaves to stop their activities of destruction and lawlessness, and seek gainful employment. When the Confederate Army surrendered in 1865, American slavery had finished. Over 4 million salves were free. The slave driven south was now in decline due to the loss of production in the fields. During 1868 in Georg...