The Ku Klux Klan in Lyon County, Kansas in the 1920's.

Abstract

[)urin~ the critical period immediately preceding and following the First World War, radical groups throughout the world arose in unprecendented numbers. These groups, usually emphasizing the importance of nationalism, found receptive audiences disillusioned by the change in lifestyles and values. as well as by the shock of World War T. One group in the United States which found these issues advantageous was the Ku Klux Klan. This legendary group of ante-bellum infamy had its resurgence in Atlanta in 1915. Although a Southern based organization originally, this rejuvenated Klan was able to expand nationwide. The Klan expounded "Pure Americanism" which led millions of Americans to become sympathetic with its cause. This broad base of support aided the fraternal organization's attempt to gain political power in Kansas and the national government. From 1921 to 1926, the Ku Klux Klan strongly supported or opposed candidates for political offices throughout Kansas. Many times Klan-endorsed candidates won. One Klan victory came in 1923 when Emporia -home of the most outspoken Klan opponent, William Allen White -elected a Klan-, supported mayor. Numerous Klan-endorsed senators and a governor were also aided to victory throu~h the work of the Klan. White was not the only Lyon County editor combatting the hooded organization. The Klan took long strides in an attempt to gain social and public acceptance in small communities such as Americus, Hartford, and Reading. Havoc wrought by the Klan's policies of discrimination spurred editors in these towns to join White's crusade against the hooded order. White's editorials were the biggest thorn in the Klan's side. Opponents of the Ku Klux Klan were inspired by White's "tongue-in-cheek" cononentaries. He, as much as anyone, was responsible for the organization's virtual demise in 1927.