Scots and the Ku Klux Klan

 

“When six bored and bitter former Confederate officers formed a fraternal society, they drew on their Scottish background. 'Clan' turned to 'Klan' and the oldest and most feared racist hate group in America – the Ku Klux Klan – was born”.

 

The role of Scots in shaping the concept of the American Dream is a story often celebrated but could Scottish settlers have also had a hand in America’s racist nightmare?

 

After the devastating Civil War, attitudes in the South were hardened by defeat and fear of the newly-freed slaves. When six bored and bitter former Confederate officers formed a fraternal society, they drew on their Scottish background.

 

'Clan' turned to 'Klan' and the oldest and most feared racist hate group in America – the Ku Klux Klan – was born. 

 

Neil Oliver travels over two thousand miles to examine links between racism today and the Scottish settlers that first occupied America's Deep South.

 

Throughout the 18th Century, hundreds of thousands of Scots emigrated to America. Some believe that it was their wariness and moral certainty that significantly shaped the South into an isolated, fearful society that easily took to slave-owning when the opportunity came. 

 

Now, well over 800 hate groups stalk the United States and Neil finishes his journey by visiting the Neo-Confederate League of the South. The League advocates a return to a separate Southern society run by what they call ‘Anglo Celts’ and Neil discovers that here in the Deep South, Scottish-ness and some old attitudes still abide.  ​