William Joseph Simmons was an American businessman and the founder of the second incarnation of the Ku Klux Klan in 1915. He played a significant role in the Klan's resurgence during the early 20th century, promoting white supremacy and nativism. Simmons was known for his charismatic leadership and ability to attract new members, which helped the organization grow rapidly. Simmons organized large public rallies and used various forms of media to spread the Klan's ideology. His leadership contributed to the Klan's influence in American society during the 1920s, although his tenure ended in controversy and internal conflict within the organization.