Ok I’ll play. 1865 was a very powerful year, war ended, president shot, slaves freed. Not in that order. So it seems that there is a better chance than not that the democrats started the kkk, as is follows:
Founding and purpose: The first Klan was founded in Pulaski, Tennessee, by a group of Confederate veterans in December 1865. It began as a fraternal social club but quickly became a paramilitary terrorist organization that opposed the Reconstruction-era policies aimed at ensuring political and economic equality for Black Americans.
Tactics: Klan members systematically used violence, threats, and murder to intimidate Black people and their white Republican allies. Members wore elaborate, ghost-like robes and hoods to terrify their victims and hide their identities. Targets: The Klan targeted newly freed Black people and white Republicans, including leaders and voters. Why are so many African Americans democrats?