Targeting black voters and government officials

1. Targeting Black Voters and Government Officials
Content Note:
• Elections during Reconstruction were times of 1ncreased violence in the South. Many Southerners saw the Republicans as
conquerors-after all they were the party of Linncoln. Not surprisingly, Freedmen overwhelmingly voted for the Republican
ticket In 1868 President Grant won the popular vote by only 310,000 votes. 500,000 African-American votes in the South were
the difference.
• Harper's Weekly was a very influential Northern magazine. This 1876 image was a scathing attack on Southerners ' use of
violence to intimidate the black vote. These scare tactics were used well into the 20th century, and it wasn't until the 1960s that
many black Southerners felt safe enough to cast a vote.
• It was well known in the North and in Congress that voter intimidation was rampant in most
Southern states. Colby's testimony was part of an effort to expose the cruel and illegal nature of the Klan's activ ities. Congress
did authorize President Grant to use troops to suppress KKK activities . One of Grant's greatest efforts led to the arrest of 600
Klansman in South Carolina. Even though the celebrated event led to only 9 of the 600 men standing tr ial, much of the Klan's
energies were limited as its leaders went into hiding or fled. However, as Grant and Congress began to take less forceful
measures after 1872, the ideals of Radical Reconstruction were doomed to fail. Soon White Leagues and the KKK remerged in
full force.
Document Analysis
l. Why did the KKK attack Abram Colby?
2. According to Colby, what types of people make up the KKK?
3. What seem to be the ultimate goal of the KKK?
4. What is the main idea of the cartoon?

2. Teaching Tips:
• Discuss the Document Analysis questions:
1. Why did the KKK attack Abram Colby?
Colby was attacked because he was a leader who threatened white control. He was also brave and clearly would not be intimidated.
2. According to Colby, what types of people make up the KKK?
According to Colby, the KKK was made up of different classes of whites, including a lawyer, a doctor, and farmers .
3. What seems to be the ultimate goal of the KKK?
The Klan wants all Republican Reconstruction governments to be overthrown. The Republican governments are seen as illegitimate
because they are supported by blacks (former slaves) and Northerners (Carpetbaggers).
4. What is the main idea of the cartoon?
The cartoon is a graphic depiction and powerful attack against the intimidation tactics of white supremacist groups. It shows how
powerless the Freedmen were without forceful government protection. It also is a Northern view of what is happening in the South,
and was widely criticized by many Southerners as being an exaggeration.