The Clansman

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The Clansman Introduction

The resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan in southern Illinois during the 1920s mirrored its broader spread across the state and the country. In the years leading up to this revival, the public had been exposed to a steady stream of half-truths and distorted narratives about the original Klan, laying the groundwork for its return. Through the use of these novels and popular entertainment, a romanticized image of the Klan from the previous century was cultivated. These portrayals encouraged the public to view the Klan in a more favorable light. By the time the organization re-established itself, this foundation had been thoroughly set. Moreover, the Klan manipulated the public’s fears—particularly fears of racial dominance, threats to society, and the menace of terrorism—to bolster support for its revival.

On April 21, 1906, The Ku Klux Klan, was set to open in Cairo, Illinois. The play was adapted from Thomas F. Dixon, Jr.’s book called The Clansman, and a similar play with the same title had already been touring the United States in 1905.

Essential Questions:

  • How did Cairo citizens respond to the play’s opening? What does this reception reveal about different attitudes toward African Americans during this time?
  • How does this response to the play in Cairo compare and contrast to its reception across the United States?

Your task:

In this unit, you will examine claims made in Dexter and Beadle's book about the reception and impact of Dixon's plays locally in southern Illinois and compare them to the national reception across different regions of the United States.

First, read the Cairo Bulletin newspaper report to determine how the African American community in southern Illinois responded to the play’s opening in their town.

The Cairo bulletin (Cairo, Ill.), January 18, 1907

Next, analyze the sources below to determine how well the two plays adapted from Thomas Dixon’s book, The Clansman, were received across the nation. Who approved of the play’s content? Why? Who did not? Why?

Finally, compare and contrast the arguments presented by completing the graphic organizer to help you answer this module’s essential questions. 

Primary Source 1: Southern Christian Advocate newspaper VOL. 69. NO.18       

                                                     

Primary Source 2: Reviews for Dixon’s The Clansman play in The News and Observer newspaper : "The Clansman" Disapproved

Primary Source 2: Reviews for Dixon’s The Clansman play in The News and Observer newspaper: Will DO Good and Not Harm

Primary Source 3: The Watchman and Southron Newspaper: Gonzalez                  

Primary Source 3: The Watchman and Southron Newspaper: Dixon                                   

Primary Source 4: The Broad Ax VOL. XII. NO. 3                 

                       

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