Origins of the Ku Klux Klan

by WheresSmokey

I've heard people talk about how the original members of the KKK were more-or-less just a security detail for ex-slaveowners who were being threatened by their freed slaves following the ratifying of the 13th amendment. Is there any truth to this or were they, even at their inception, an organization aimed at persecuting african-americans? Can someone give a bit more light to their origins?

chilaxinman

This is an answer from /u/DeSoulis to a similar question from a few years ago, although I hope somebody is able and willing to expand on it!