Question
36 SS.912.A.5.10 (Moderate) Why did support for the Ku Klux Klan grow during the early 1920 s? population growth among African Americans B the enforcement of prohibition C surge in immigration from eastern and southern Europe D large number of German refugees from World War I
Answer
4.2
(136 Votes)
Gwawr
Master · Tutor for 5 years
Answer
C
Explanation
The reason behind the surge in support for the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) during the early 1920s is linked to the societal environment and the concerns of the American society at the time. The early 20th century was characterized by an influx of immigrants from countries across Eastern and Southern Europe along with increased activities directed at enforcing Prohibition laws. This period also saw an increase in anxiety related to traditional values and the 'correct' way of life threatened by changes. The KKK appealed as a watchdog for these traditional values, therefore causing an increase in their membership. The A, B, and D options aren't as directly relevant. Though the increase in the population of African Americans and the large number of German refugees can entail societal tension, thereby indirectly leading to increased support for the KKK by people fearful of changes. Moreover, the KKK was against alcohol usage, thus enforcement of the Prohibition laws should have supported the goals of the KKK and not the organization per se. All these factors - still did not make such an enormous impact as compared to the noted arbitrariness and discrimination within U.S. immigration laws and policy structure of the time, which highly favored immigrants from specific countries while utterly discriminating against others.