Abolitionists and the Klu Klux Klan

Social movements can be very influential within a nation, and they often result in massive changes. When a large number of individuals are dissatisfied with a policy and believe it is necessary to take action against that policy, social movements are born. These movements can take various forms, such a protests and the creation of organizations. During the 1800's, two groups, the abolitionists and the Ku klux klan, created ideologies that were based on their views regarding slavery and the treatment of African Americans. The abolitionist movement began as an organization that resented the slave trade and fought for its abolishment, while the Ku klux klan organization began when white supremacists felt that their rights were being violated by the new freedoms of African Americans. The abolitionist movement was extremely successful, and most Americans today fully agree with their views. The Ku klux klan movement and its revivals throughout the 20th century, however, were not as successful. The following is a discussion of the history of these movements, the strategies that were used by the groups, and an explanation as to why one group was more successful than the other in achieving its objectives.