A Level History - America - Practice Exam

Which of the following factors contributed to the formation of the KKK's "Invisible Empire"?

1. Political support from local governments

2. Weakness in law enforcement

3. Increased participation of African-Americans

4. Inclusion of northern immigrants

The correct answer is: Political support from local governments

The choice that highlights the role of political support from local governments in the formation of the KKK's "Invisible Empire" is pivotal to understanding the group's rise in influence during the Reconstruction era and beyond. The KKK, initially formed in the aftermath of the Civil War, benefitted significantly from the tacit or active support of many local and state government officials who shared or sympathized with their white supremacist ideology. This support could manifest in various ways, including the enforcement of discriminatory laws, the overlooking of Klan violence, or even participation by elected officials in Klan activities. This environment of complicity not only allowed the KKK to flourish without significant opposition but also facilitated their recruitment and expansion, giving them a semblance of legitimacy and authority in their operations as they sought to undermine African-American civil rights and maintain white supremacy. By aligning with certain political factions, particularly in the South, the Klan positioned itself as a powerful force against the perceived threats to white sociopolitical dominance, thus solidifying their "Invisible Empire," which referred to their secretive and pervasive influence within American society. While other factors such as weak law enforcement certainly played a role in enabling the KKK's activities, the crucial element here is the direct political backing