Date of Award

2007

Degree Name

History

College

College of Liberal Arts

Type of Degree

M.A.

Document Type

Thesis

First Advisor

Robert Sawrey

Second Advisor

Montserrat Miller

Third Advisor

Kellie Bean

Abstract

The Ku Klux Klan is often thought of as a male-dominated organization; however there is evidence that women contributed to Klan efforts and participated in their own group, Women of the KKK. This study analyzes women’s involvement within the KKK during the 1920s. Women’s participation in early progressive movements, including temperance and suffrage, served as a catalyst for women’s involvement with the KKK. This paper explores women’s roles in the Ku Klux Klan as leaders within the WKKK. From earlier social movements, women gained knowledge needed to promote and expand the WKKK and other white supremacist women’s organizations. This paper examines conflicting rhetoric published by the organizations outlining roles women potentially served in leadership positions, while highlighting that these were only within the domestic sphere. Finally, this project delves into evidence regarding Klansmen’s treatment of women, which eventually led to exposure of the contradictory and hate-filled nature of the KKK.

Subject(s)

White supremacy movements.

Women of the Ku Klux Klan.

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