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Harvard University

Life of a Klansman - Investigating Race Terror in Reconstruction-Era South

Harvard University via YouTube

Overview

Explore the life of a Ku Klux Klan fighter in Louisiana during Reconstruction through Edward Ball's investigation of his own family history. Delve into the complex narrative of race terror in the post-Civil War South, examining the role of individual participants and their impact on society. Gain insights into the White League, the Knights of the White Camellia, and pivotal events like the Battle of Canal Street. Analyze the concepts of tribal whiteness and extreme whiteness, drawing connections to contemporary issues of white supremacy. Uncover the personal motives behind Klan membership and consider how repurposing these stories can contribute to our understanding of racial dynamics in America.

Syllabus

Introduction
Aunt Maude
Family historian
French Quarter
The White League
Aunt Maudes notebooks
Finding a Klansman
Reconstruction
Image and Legend
Extreme Whiteness
New Orleans
Reconstruction came
Knights of the White Camellia
Battle of Canal Street
A personal motive
Repurposing the story
Tribal whiteness
Whiteness
The White House
Steve Bannon
White Supremacy
The Petite Blonde

Taught by

Harvard University

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