An Analysis of “The Klan’s Fight for Americanism” Essay

In 1926, Hiram Wesley Evans, then Imperial Wizard and Emperor of the Ku Klux Klan, print The Klans vie for the Statesnism, a brochure that set forth the principles and radicals of what legion(predicate) called the revival of the KKK in 1920s the States, a new version of the organization that was earlier formed by Nathan Bedford Forrest after the cultivated warf are in an effort to fight the supremacy of the white man all over the recently freed African-the Statesn slaves. The research worker impart analyze and discuss Evans opus in this paper from the standpoint of his views and peculiar(prenominal) tenets to be found indoors The Klans foment for the Statesnism.In addition, the researcher lead comprise views as to whether or non Evans views retard with those of the researcher, and ultimately, a response to Evans view leave be presented. Upon the conclusion of this paper, the reader allow cave in a thorough accord of Evans incline as well as somewhat possibl e alternative viewpoints on it. A Brief Overview of The Klans chip for Americanism In order to fully interpret the various elements of Evans writing, and to adequately interpret it, a brief overview of the work itself is in order.The previously menti aned revival of the KKK in the early 1920s came in response to what the group called the infestation by aliens of America in the old age immediately following World warfare I. As a result of the KKKs revival, by 1926, the organization had over 3 million members. The KKK increased its list of those whom it dis kindred to include Jews, Catholics, Communists, and those who were members of the labor unions that were gaining popularity in America during that time. Hiram W.Evans, upon assuming control of the KKK in 1926, wrote The Klans Fight for Americanism as a mode to lay the groundwork for what would be a new expansion of the Ku Klux Klan in the twentieth century. Americanism as Defined by Evans wiz of the key terms that Evans use s in his writing is the term Americanism, something that he claims is a hallmark of the KKK. The term Americanism in this context has its grow in patriotism, something that the KKK claims to stool in abundance however, the interpretation of patriotism that the KKK has varied greatly from what one would usually find in the belief systems of someone like Abraham Lincoln, for example.Patriotism, as the cornerstone of Americanism, in this case has some far reaching implications. First, consider the KKKs definition of the American ideal within Americanism, which will first be presented by use of an actual quote from Evans work Americanism, to the Klansman, is a thing of the spirit, a designing and a point of view, that can nevertheless come through instinctive racial go throughing. It has, to be sure, certain defined principles, moreover he does not believe that umpteen aliens understand those principles, even when they use our course in talking about them. . ..In short, the Kl ansman believes in the greatest possible diversity and personal identity within the limits of the American spirit. But he believes also that few aliens can understand that spirit, that fewer try to, and that in that location must be resistance, intolerance even, toward anything that threatens it, or the fundamental national unity based upon It (Evans, 1926) . What Americanism is, for the Klansman, is the conception of liberty and justice for all, as Americans recites in their Pledge of Allegiance, but all has its limits along racial, ethnic and religious boundaries.For the KKK, coming honorable from the pen of its leader at the time, the American Dream was procurable for those who qualified by being a certain race, nationality or religion, embodied in the KKK credo of native, white, Protestant supremacy (Evans, 1926). Using terms like mongrelization to describe the ethnic diversity that America was experiencing in large part out-of-pocket to the dis go intoment of Europeans a fter World War I, Evans set up unlimited possibilities for a limited few, not much opposite from the sla real that America utilized anterior to the Civil War. An different element of Evans ism was what he defined as The American Race.This race encompasses people who are white descendants from the ancient Nordic tribes of Europe, Protestant in religion. Evans makes a specific religious distinction, saying that Rome shall not rule America, meaning that the roman letters Catholic Church, and more specifically the Pope, will not have any get to on what The American Race does in the United States (Evans, 1926). A Response to Evans ascertain While Hiram W. Evans, as an American citizen, has the full to express his opinions and views, likewise it is appropriate for the researcher to respond to what Evans wrote and professed in The Klans Fight for Americanism.As a response, rather than embarking on a long tirade of stochastic responses, his work will be discussed along the lines of carefully selected main points, which will found a better response to the boilers suit work. Those key points are as follows mutation IS THE BASIS OF AMERICAN GREATNESS- No one can debate that the many contributions do to America in terms of the arts, sciences, humanities, facts of life and more would not have been very significant were it not for those of many diverse ethnic backgrounds who came to America seeking a better life and ultimately make America a better place for others.If America were only(prenominal) open to Evans American Race, the country likely would have been held back from its full potential. JUDGEMENT BY CONTENT OF CHARACTER- Decades after Evans ruled the KKK, Martin Luther queen regnant Jr. professed that he dreamed of an America where people would be judged not by the color of skin, but my content of character. By limiting his view of Americans to be only those of the white race, Evans excluded many fine singulars from inclusion in the American Drea m.This exclusivity again would have compromised the ability of America to grow and achieve as it has. ONE NATION nether GOD HAS MANY MEANINGS- The belief in immortal cannot, and should not be available only to those of the Protestant faith that Evans advocates in his teachings and writings. A nation built on many faiths can provide a strong moral foundation and indeed has in the case of America.Aside from whether an individuals belief in God comes from the Protestant, Catholic, Jewish or any of a number of other theologies, the teachings of respect for other people, peace, integrity and morality has helped to make America great. Agreement With Evans? The researcher has clearly shown that there is definite disagreement with Evans and the content of The Klans Fight for Americanism. Having the benefit of viewing the outcome in hindsight, it is clearly seen that the American ornament would be vastly different in the 21st century if Evans ruled the 20th. occlusion Thoughts It was on ce said that those who do not learn from history are condemned to tell it. In the case of Evans teachings and writings, this is definitely true. Luckily, the aversion that he professed has not totally reign the American culture, but does exist today. Therefore, it is cardinal for every American to pay help to the past to avoid pitfalls in the future.ReferencesEvans, Hiram W. (1926). The Klans Fight for Americanism. North American Review, 223, 38-39.