Formed immediately after the Civil War by disgruntled Confederates, the Ku Klux Klan and its popularity have waxed and waned throughout the twentieth century. The latest resurgence of the Klan and other hate groups are responsible for a rash of violent crimes committed in the name of racial supremacy. Neo-Nazi and SkinHead groups join with the Klan in recruiting the disaffected youth of the nation, capitalizing on poor educational and economic opportunities, and fears of racial dislocation. American Justice examines the rise of these groups and the proliferation of hate crime in America. KKK: Hate Crime in America would be useful for classes on American History, Law and Justice, Civics and Ethics. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

1. What is a hate crime? How are hate crimes different from other crimes? Why are they so insidious?

2. The Ku Klux Klan has a long and violent history. What are the origins of the Ku Klux Klan in America?

3. In 1964 three young civil rights workers-Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner-were killed. How did the deaths of these three young men help to highlight the racial injustice and hate crimes against African-Americans in the South?

4. Members of the Ku Klux Klan have committed acts of violence and murder, and gotten away with them. How were KKK members able to commit these acts without any retribution or punishment?

5. Why do KKK members wear hoods and robes?

6. The symbol of the KKK is a burning cross. Why do they use this symbol? How is this symbol of travesty of Christian philosophy?

7. What were some of the causes for the resurgence of the KKK in the early twentieth century?

8. How do the KKK and other hate groups play on people's fears?

9. President Lyndon Johnson tried to break the KKK. How did he do this? Was he successful?

10. Why do tough economic times and high unemployment help groups such as the KKK gather strength?

11. Why do people join the KKK and other hate groups?

1. Create a timeline that illustrates the evolution of the KKK.

2. View the movie Birth of a Nation and discuss how this movie idealized the KKK and Klan ideology.

3. Create an anti-Ku Klux Klan poster.

4. Create a commemorative poster of the 1954 Brown v. the Board of Education decision.

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