What was the primary tactic of the Ku Klux Klan when it was founded in 1866?

The primary tactic of the Ku Klux Klan when it was founded in 1866 was violence and intimidation. The Klan emerged during the Reconstruction era in response to the changes in Southern society following the Civil War, particularly the newly gained rights of African Americans. By employing terror, the Klan aimed to undermine the political and social advancements of Black individuals and white Republicans. Their methods included violence such as lynching, beatings, and intimidation tactics intended to instill fear in those who sought to pursue civil rights or challenge the Klan's racist ideology. This systematic use of violence aimed to restore white supremacy and deny African Americans their rights in the post-war South. The historical context underscores that the Klan’s creation was primarily a reaction against the Reconstruction policies that aimed to integrate formerly enslaved people into American society, further emphasizing the role of violence and intimidation as central to their operations.