The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) is a white supremacist hate group that was founded in the United States in the aftermath of the Civil War in 1865. Initially formed as a social club, it quickly evolved into a violent organization aimed at maintaining white dominance and opposing the rights of African Americans and other minority groups. The Klan is known for its use of intimidation, threats, and violence, including lynching and arson. Throughout its history, the KKK has experienced several resurgences, particularly during periods of social change, such as the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. The group is characterized by its distinctive white robes and hoods, symbolizing their ideology of racial purity and secrecy. Despite its decline in membership and influence, the Klan's legacy of hate continues to impact American society.