The Ku Klux Klan was formed in Pulaski, Tennessee by several former Confederate officers including Frank McCord, Richard Reed, John Lester, John Kennedy, J. Calvin Jones, and James Crowe. Their intention was to create a fraternal organization that would initially serve as a social club for veterans of the Confederate Army. As the complexities of Reconstruction intensified and the federal government imposed measures to integrate African Americans into societal roles, the Klan transformed into a vehicle for white supremacist ideologies. Members sought to restore the pre-war social order through intimidation, violence, and acts of terror against Black individuals and their allies, marking the Klan's transition from a social fraternity to a violent, militant entity.As the organization spread across the South, it adopted various symbols, rituals, and a secret hierarchical structure. The Klan's activities included night rides, lynchings, and vandalism of Black churches, forcing many African Americans to live in fear. The Klan's influence grew rapidly, as it attracted thousands of members, drawn to the promise of restoring white dominance and resisting Reconstruction efforts. The Klan's impact persisted through the years, fostering an environment where racial violence flourished, and its presence can still be felt in modern discussions around race relations and civil rights.