How did the Ku Klux Klan of 1915 differ from the Ku Klux Klan of Reconstruction?

The Ku Klux Klan that emerged in 1915 represented a significant evolution from the original organization active during Reconstruction. The main distinction lies in the broader scope of its ideology. While the Reconstruction-era Klan primarily focused on the suppression of African Americans and maintaining white supremacy in the South following the Civil War, the 20th-century Klan expanded its targets beyond just Black individuals.

By the time of its resurgence in the early 20th century, the KKK adopted a more comprehensive agenda that included strong anti-immigrant sentiments, particularly against Jews, Catholics, and other foreign groups. This reflects a response to the changing demographics in America, where increasing immigration from diverse backgrounds was perceived as a threat to "American" values and identity by the Klan. Thus, the Klan of 1915 became known not just for its racism but also for its nativist and anti-Semitic positions, which showcased its expanded ideological framework.

This shift towards a wider range of targets contributed to the Klan's growth in membership and influence during this period, as it sought to unify various factions of white Americans against perceived outsiders.