Racism in the 1920's

1) Interpret the quote in your blog.
Quote:
"Though men and women drop from the ranks they remain with us in purpose, and can be depended on fully in any crisis. Also, there are millions who have never joined, but who think and feel and -- when called on -- fight with us. This is our real strength, and no one who ignores it can hope to understand America today." Hiram Wesley Evans, The Klan's Fight for Americanism, The North American Review (March-April-May 1926)
Interpretation: The first/second sentences talk about how the KKK has declined and lost many of its members, but those who are no longer a member (or are not a member) of the KKK, will "fight with us."  The third sentence discusses how the Klan's true strength is it's strength in numbers.  These numbers are by the millions and are of members and non-members of the KKK, as stated by the first two sentences.  Basically, this quote argues that the KKK is still strong despite it's decline in membership.

2) Explain how this film would have increased the population of the KKK.
     This film would have increased KKK membership for a two man reasons: (1) It portrayed African-Americans as "vicious" and the KKK as heroes  (2) It promoted slavery. 

    Firstly, since the African-Americans were portrayed as animals in this film, and the KKK was seen as the opposite, then people would respect the KKK.  Portions of the film had African-Americans as the villain, and the KKK as the heroes who rescued the damsel in distress.  Toward the end of this portion, the large group of Klansmen captured the African-American and saved the woman.  The KKK were considered heroes thereafter which definitely increased membership

     Secondly, this film promoted slavery, and many men in the South wanted slavery to come back. After WWI, slavery had ended, and the African-American man was "free."  This left many southerners angry, or at the very least, unsatisfied.  Thus, many southerners turned to the KKK in an attempt to bring slavery back.  The Birth of a Nation likely contributed to this motif.  As a result, many southerners made an attempt to join the KKK, and serve their motifs.

     In conclusion, The Birth of a Nation played a pivotal role in the revival of the KKK.  Men and women alike made becoming a member an objective and goal.  All of the members and soon-to-be members believed in slavery, and the immortality of the black man.   These mentalities served as the underlying basis for the KKK's return, and the film brought about these thoughts.