The Ku Klux Klan
Violence against African Americans
Secret societies were forming in the South, posing a treat to African American men and women practicing their right to vote. The worst of the groups was known as the Ku Klux Klan, formed in 1866. This Klan killed African Americans, burned towns, buildings, churches, and schools. This violence was becoming a regular thing and became more intense and frequent near elections, for the group was trying to scare African Americans so badly that they would not vote. They wanted the whites to regain back power of all of the government. Not only did the Klan launch attacks on African Americans, but also against white supporters of the reconstruction. Supporters off these violent groups included Southerners who were, planters, and Democrats.
Congress takes action against Violence in the South.
Those Southerners that oppose violent acts like these, turned to the federal government to do something about it. Congress passed several laws in 1870 and 1871 in attempt to stop the violence. It helped only a little bit, but even the slightest bit of improvement is still improvement.