Probably a majority of the men of the South were associated at some time during this period with these revolutionary bodies.

As a rule the politicians, though approving, held aloof.

Public opinion generally supported the movement so long as the radicals made serious attempts to carry out the reconstruction policies.
The task before the secret orders was to regulate the conduct of the blacks and their leaders in order that honor, life, and property might be secure.

They planned to accomplish this aim by playing upon the fears, superstitions, and cowardice of the black race--in a word, by creating a white terror to counteract the black one.

To this end they made use of strange disguises, mysterious and fearful conversation, midnight rides and drills, and silent parades.