Nicole: Based on the first two points of what is considered to be fascism, I would have to say that the KKK was certainly an American fascism.

1. The primacy of the group, toward which one has duties superior to every right, whether universal or individual.

2. The belief that one's group is a victim, a sentiment which justifies any action against the group's enemies, internal as well as external.

Klan members wrote speeches, believed in eugenics, and practiced their beliefs on a regular basis. Despite the fact that they were never became part of the political system, I would still have to agree that the KKK was most certainly an American Fascism.

Natalie:

  1. Imperial Wizard Hiram Wesley Evans believed that the feelings and beliefs that good Americans felt in the early 1920’s composed the strength of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) more than anything else. “There are millions who have never joined, but who think and feel and -- when called on -- fight with us. This is our real strength, and no one who ignores it can hope to understand America today” (Evans). In claiming that failure to see the right in their actions was a failure to understand American society, Evans calls attention to a general anxiety that the public would have held at the time. In an era when new inventions and women’s suffrage were changing what had once been the typical American life-style, Evans seems to cite a fear of change, or more basically, an anxiety over the values that Americans had been brought up with. The Harlem Renaissance and the emergence of the “New Negro” would certainly only create more stress, especially for those southerners who had grown up with an entirely different image of the African-American. It is these fears the Evans broadly cites as the feelings of the Klan’s millions of supporters. One might negate his general statement in simply refusing to believe such a horrible truth; however one cannot deny the evidence of the race riots throughout the nation as well the further development of racial anti-Semitism, both thanks to the wide-spread belief in Social Darwinism. While in the beginning, Evans recalls the initial growth of the Klan thanks to the sheer violence of their activities and the frustrations that fueled them, he also claims the ferocity of their actions as a part of their downfall. Evans is somewhat vague in explaining his thought process here and surely would not go into further depth on the matter publicly. All that one can be sure of in reading these statements provided and examining the subsequent events of the time period is that Evans was certain, at least with himself, that the KKK was growing in popularity thanks to “Providence” (Evans) and the commonality of the hatred that motivated its activities.
  2. I find the theory of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) as an early predecessor to larger fascist groups, such as the German National Socialists (Nazism), to be very credible and convincing. Fascism, an oppressive form of government led by a single individual – in the case of the KKK, the Imperial Wizard – that resists all opposition and reinforces nationalistic and often racist ideologies, fits the definition of the KKK almost to a tee. Their definite use of American patriotism as a tool in recruiting support mirrored the nationalism that other European fascists used to gain followers. Being blatantly racist against African-Americans, Catholics, and Jews, it resisted opposition through violence and “scare tactics” (the burning cross that we all freely associate with the KKK). While the article argues that they never exceeded beyond stage two of fascism – “their rooting as parties in a political system” – all other evidence supports their development as a fascist organization. As they were never founded as a political party, they made sure to support those politicians who first, weren’t racially unfit, and second, supported their causes including restrictions on immigration policies. Because of their fervent backing of such politicians, their violent activities founded solely on the basis of “cleansing society” to become what they saw as right, and  even the brotherhood that the organization and uniforms of the Klan promoted, there can be no denying the KKK as having the making of a true fascist organization  within American society.

Mike M.:
            Imperial Wizard Hiram Wesley Evans cited reasons for the growth of the KKK based on the feelings he believed that all Americans felt.  He said that the real strength of the KKK was not in the numbers that made up their Klan but the fact that many more Americans who were not members sympathized with their cause.  He believed that just because people were not members that they still supported their cause.  He felt that in a given situation he could call upon non-members to fight with the Klan and this was their true strength; having the support of others outside the Klan.  This allowed the Klan to grow without being hindered in their cause.  Evan’s also spoke about the role of religion or “providence” over the KKK.  He spoke about how God was on their side and sympathized with their cause.  This got people thinking and may have led to the appeal in the KKK which fueled its growth. 

            I find the argument that the Klan was American fascism very persuasive.  After reading some of the characteristics that attempt to describe fascism I find that the KKK seems to fit the mold quite well.  They are a group that is out for the primacy of the group.  They believe that they are a victim being overrun by blacks, Jews and various other minority groups.  They are made up of many men who go about their cause under the unity of a “brotherhood” whose unity is proven through acts of coercion and even violence.  They have a unique self-esteem that is enhanced through belonging to a group that is greater than themselves.  They are devoted to the group and the cause in an attempt to make it achieve success.  After reading this essay I think it is very clear that the KKK was indeed an American Fascism. 

Alex B.:
            Evans expresses the idea that to understand the impulses and ideas of the Klan in the 1920’s one must understand the general public of the 1920’s.  The Klan was a major influence on their communities.  The fact that this was the case made it much easier for the KKK to grow.  Since the Klan was not only getting support from its members but from the general public there was a small population that objected them.  The lack of opposes opened doors for their growth and power.  Their power spread to even becoming the deciding factor in political races where the “Klan” vote would decide the winners.  The Klan also supported prohibition which was a commonly supported movement of the time making the support by non Klan members grow. 
            Fascism is a strict form of government ran by a dictator.  McClymer makes it’s obvious that the Klan was an American form of Fascism.  First of all the Klan delegated male leaders in each community where the Klan was present.  The leaders made the decisions and led the rest of the Klan in a strict orderly fashion.  The supported high levels of unity and common strictly enforced techniques.   Also the Klan was made to wear uniforms to show their participation and dedication to their cause.  They represent a form of fascism because they follow the orders of a leader and all share common goals as well as rely on violent measures when necessary. 

Patrick:
1. Grievances cited for growth of KKK:
            -Futility in religion, strange ideas and policies
            -Moral breakdown of society- sacredness of Sabbath, homes, chastity, right to teach own children

Evans was not very detailed in his explanation of the grievances. He remained very vague, even when elaborating on them.

2. I believe that McClymer is correct in labeling the Klan an American fascism. Just like a fascist state, Klan members had a deep bond with the ideas of the group, even if that meant going against their individual rights. The KKK felt they were victims of an “attack” on the WASP culture that the group insisted upon keeping. Klan members felt an intense sense of belonging to the group and felt brotherhood toward fellow members as well as deep passions for the ideas espoused in the Klan. The group also used violence when necessary to protect its interests. Therefore, I believe the Klan is a fascist group.

Josh: Hiram Wesley Evans believed that the KKK grew because of its vigilante practices. The community at the time was drawn in by the acts that gained recognition. It was the basic idea of “hate” that some people really enjoyed. The fact that they can place the blame on certain individuals for their troubles; thus deferring their responsibility. They especially liked pushing their opinions upon liberals, immigrants, Catholics, Jews, or any person of color. Which is strange, because America was founded by immigrants who were tired of being oppressed. The KKK was looking to grow by Darwinian Triumph, which is the idea of the strongest surviving in a community.
The idea of the KKK being fascist is one argument that I believe does not really work. Fascism is trying to solve economic, social, and political problems through a dictatorship. The KKK was a minority at the time, and would have had a really hard time at becoming legitimate. The idea does match the German kind of fascism in that they do try to make their cause look like the superior race. The idea of “mobilizing passions” to make their cause look legitimate, but really people’s opinions can only go so far without knowledge. The KKK did try to endorse a political figure, William Gibbs McAdoo, but were unsuccessful in getting him anywhere close to the White House. The KKK was a group that really lacked leadership. There was never a specific person who would take the Klan by themselves. It was mostly a joint effort across states. The KKK was never really organized enough to become a legitimate fascist state. There was no way the KKK would succeed without more structure. 

Lauren: Evans cited that true Americanism was the goal of the Klan, and I’m sure many people hung on to that hope. Everyone wants to feel like part of a society, that’s why all these movements, from the Klan to Hitler’s Germany began. The Klan used intimidation by implying that those that didn’t support it had either something to hide or was anti-American and also justified its actions. With a little bit of brainwashing you get a group of people who desperately at the time need a group to believe in and also those who believe their actions are all justified. He stated that immigrants who could not achieve true Americanism were infiltrating America, and with them they were bringing their Catholicism and their immoral acts. He talked of traitors who were Trotskyites at heart, and when America was knee deep in the red scare this seemed logical to many Americans.
            Also with some basis in eugenics, people honestly believed that they were biologically superior. Since the Industrial Revolution began to replace science with religion, even groups with religious backing such as the Klan turned to science when it proved in their favour. Eugenics gave Klan members the reason to believe they were scientifically superior and in a time were there was a lot of uncertainty, people were drawn to these notions. Because they were obviously superior, the counter argument to Eugenics was that others were inferior and this scared the Klan members, as they didn’t want any more reason for America to be diluted.

I’m not sure how convincing the argument is. I think the Klan is lacking the charismatic leader that is a staple of other Fascist regimes such as Nazi Germany and Italy under Mussolini. Evans was certainly enthusiastic but he failed to gain the support that Hitler and Mussolini did. I think everything else falls into place, they justified their reasons as being superior and they all devoted themselves to the group before all else. I think that they would have been more of a Fascist movement had their political aims taken off; without that political factor, they remained just another extremist group.

Becca:

            Although he claims that the poor economic situation cannot explain the entire situation of the growth of the Klan, he states that there was a connection. “So too with the collapse of traditional morals. They had rested upon a biblical foundation, as interpreted by middle-class Victorians. With the Bible in doubt, with Victorian an epithet, and with middle-class verities shattered by the war, a new generation set out to find new rules.” In trying to find new rules usually large groups like this need someone to blame so they took their anger out on any group who was not American so the Klan took out their frustrations on groups different than themselves. The Klan would call this fighting for Americanism.

            I think his argument is both persuasive at times and at other times its not. In this quote it would go against calling it a fascist movement because during the times fascist movements occurred while the conservative party was weak but at this time they were strong and prevented the Klan from doing some things. “Fascist movements in Europe fed off the perceived weakness of established conservative parties.”  When reading the numbered characteristics of fascist groups the Klan seems to have all these characteristics so this would persuade me to believe they were a fascist group.

Kerry: During the time of the KKK’s growth, there was a moral breakdown and the religion of their Nordic and Anglo-Saxon ancestors was no longer held in such high regard.  Different theories about evolution were being taught in public schools, and members feared that such teachings would have a negative impact on their children.  Anyone who feared similar things was welcome to join the Klan.  Also, religions such as Catholicism and Judaism were now showing up more and more throughout America.  Many times, it was immigrants who were practicing religions.  These immigrants created a fear that they would take all of the jobs away from the “real Americans”.  It was the fear of other religions corrupting the “real Americans” along with the fear of immigrants stealing jobs that led to an increase in KKK members.

McClymer’s argument that the Klan was a form of American fascism is a very strong one.  The guidelines of fascism are present in every ideal represented for the Klan, especially the one about the sense of brotherhood amongst members.  It was also said that many fascist groups had a designated uniform, and clearly the Klan represents that idea as well.  Overall, it could be strongly agreed that the argument McClymer makes is strongly supported by the ideals and opinions the group represents.

Lou:
       Imperial Wizard Hiram Wesley Evan cites reasons of sympathy and intellectual connection as reasons for the KKK’s growth. He says even those who have loeft their ranks will continue to remain with the KKK and can be fully depended on. Evans portrays this to be an emotional attachment to the purpose that this group had.  People that were once in the KKK still have that determination and loyalty to the purpose they were all a part of. Evans also describes those who have never joined the KKK when called upon will fight with them. This portrays the intellectual connection Evans explains that those who have never joined think and feel the same way as the KKK in order to fully understand America during that time.

        The arguments given by McClymer support the Klan being an American fascism. It is described how fascism is driven by emotions rather than thought and we can see how the KKK supported this concept. The group made individuals feel more of a sense of belonging and identity. At this time many cultures were arising and people were confused with the different religions and cultures now present. The KKK also brought those together in a way of brotherhood and having discipline to listen to authority figures. At this moment of time we haven’t seen such an organized group with support and power in America. But there were points of how the KKK didn’t have as much power due to the lack of power in the political system.  

Brian:
            Hiram Wesley Evans, a former dentist, fell victim to the ways of the KKK. He cited many reasons as to why there was a rapid growth of the Klan. The main one he cited was that there was a sense of being on the “frontlines” of a cultural war against others that were vastly different from them. This created a sense of belonging for people, as well as a gathering point with people of similar views.  According to Evan’s everyone that was in the KKK would have a purpose and have a reason to stand with the KKK. He was a firm believer in the idea of social Darwinism; the strongest race will survive in society. With this in mind, Stephan Zweig felt that this idea of war kept feeding people these ideas and thoughts that they were heroes fighting for glory. Evans also took to heart the ideals of Hitler in the sense of Hitler’s quote that “weakness must be hammered away…That is how I will create the New Order.” This sense of elitism was essentially a rallying cry for all people to join the KKK if they agreed with the ideals they were trying to instill.
            I would be hard pressed to believe that the KKK wasn’t a form of American fascism. All the ideals that the KKK tried to endorse seem to be a branch off of what was trying to be created in Germany and Italy. Additionally, it could be called a fascist movement as they “recruit followers and in fascist regimes to "weld" the fascist "tribe" to its leader.” In the South, there were many sects of the KKK that people could be recruited to, as it was typically done by county or local communities.

Mike D.: