Ep 2. The Klan Makes A Movie

In season 2 episode 2 of America's Hidden Stories titled "The Klan Makes A Movie," viewers are taken on a journey through one of the darkest periods in American history: the rise of the Ku Klux Klan. During the 1920s, the Klan was a powerful force in America, with millions of members nationwide. They were seen as a symbol of white supremacy, and their message of hate and violence was widely accepted.

The episode begins by exploring the rise of the Klan in America, and how they grew to become such a powerful force in the 1920s. During this time, the Klan was not just a group of violent extremists - they were also a political force, with many of their members holding elected office at the local, state, and even national level.

The episode then delves into the Klan's use of propaganda, particularly their use of films to spread their message of hate. Viewers are introduced to a film called "The Birth of a Nation," which was released in 1915 and is widely considered to be one of the most racist and inflammatory films ever made. The film portrays black men as violent and predatory, and portrays the Ku Klux Klan as heroic figures who save the South from the tyranny of black rule. Despite widespread protests and calls for the film to be banned, it was a huge commercial success, and helped to legitimize and spread the Klan's message.

The episode then explores the making of another Klan film, this time in the 1920s. Members of the Klan in LaGrange, Georgia, decided to make their own film, which they called "The Flaming Sword." The film was designed to spread the Klan's message of hate and violence, but it was also an attempt to recruit new members to the organization.

Viewers are taken behind the scenes of the making of "The Flaming Sword," and are introduced to the members of the Klan who produced the film. We see how the filmmakers used propaganda techniques to spread their message - for example, by using actors to portray white victims of black violence, and by showing images of burning crosses and Klan rallies.

The episode also explores the reactions to the film, both at the time of its release and in later years. We see how the film was widely criticized for its racist and inflammatory content, and how many people saw it as a dangerous propaganda tool. However, we also hear from some who saw the film as a positive influence - for example, one man who claims that the film inspired him to join the Klan and become an active member.

Overall, "The Klan Makes A Movie" is a powerful and sobering look at one of the darkest periods in American history. Through the lens of the Klan's use of propaganda, we see how hate and violence can be spread through film and imagery, and how these messages can have a lasting impact on society. The episode is a reminder that even today, we must remain vigilant against those who seek to spread messages of hate and bigotry, and that we must never forget the lessons of our past.