Grant's Role in Dismantling the KKK

Volunteering for the Confederate army can be somewhat redeemed by dismantling the KKK. South Carolina witnessed the worst clan violence, prompting Grant to declare martial law and suspend habeas corpus. Federal authorities rounded up many clansmen, including Sheriff Rice Rogers. Through extensive hearings, 600 clansmen were convicted and 65 sent to a federal penitentiary. The Klan's influence diminished by 1872 due to Grant's actions. Frederick Douglas acknowledged that without Grant, black Americans would have faced a slavery-like condition. However, Grant's firing of Ackerman and commuting sentences showed some political compromise.