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1. In the Reconstruction South, Democratic leaders publicly denied responsibility for the terrorism of the Ku Klux Klan and other groups.
They blamed violence on "poor whites" and said it had no political significance.
Those politicians were lying.
They blamed violence on "poor whites" and said it had no political significance.
Those politicians were lying.
2. Their responsibility for terrorist violence took 2 forms.
One was direct participation. Democratic leaders personally organized and committed violence.
Before he was elected to the US Senate, M. C. Butler took part in the 1876 Hamburg massacre.
One was direct participation. Democratic leaders personally organized and committed violence.
Before he was elected to the US Senate, M. C. Butler took part in the 1876 Hamburg massacre.
3. Historians generally view Reconstruction-era terrorism as decentralized, sharing common goals but lacking much coordination.
This great article from @bdproctor explores coded, interstate communication bwn 2 brothers - both Klansmen & ardent Democrats.
This great article from @bdproctor explores coded, interstate communication bwn 2 brothers - both Klansmen & ardent Democrats.
4. Concealing their role in violence was part of Democrats' playbook.
Former Confederate General Martin W. Gary wrote a plan for Democrats' 1876 campaign in SC that mixed exhortations to violence and secrecy.
Former Confederate General Martin W. Gary wrote a plan for Democrats' 1876 campaign in SC that mixed exhortations to violence and secrecy.
5. The 2d way Democratic politicians played a role in Reconstruction terrorism was rhetorical: thru the virulent and tireless condemnation of "negro supremacy," "scalawags," and venal “carpetbaggers.”
The issue here wasn't "civility." 19th century politics were rude and raucous.
The issue here wasn't "civility." 19th century politics were rude and raucous.
6. The issue was the basic legitimacy of political participation by black and white Republicans.
Whether they ever raised a hand in violence themselves, politicians legitimized terrorism by delegitimizing its targets.
And they happily reaped the benefits on election day. /x
Whether they ever raised a hand in violence themselves, politicians legitimized terrorism by delegitimizing its targets.
And they happily reaped the benefits on election day. /x
