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After reading through a thread discussing the "Great Man Theory" I found one name mentioned was that of Nathan Bedford Forrest. For those who don't know the "Great Man Theory" basically theorizes that without the influence of a certain individual the effects of their actions would never be created by another, or at least without the same influence.

In the case of Forrest let’s say, without specific terms, that somehow he dies before the end of the ACW and thus can never become the first Grand Wizard of the KKK. How might the structure and actions of the organization have differed from OTL?

I personally find this interesting b/c the character of Forrest is very peculiar to me since he seems to have been a man of many contradictions. For instance he was a slave owner and seller but supposedly put forth efforts not to brake up families, though the evidence for this is questionable. He also promised each of his slave’s freedom if they served as workers in the Confederate army and kept that promise by freeing them 18 months before the wars end. Yet he still became the first leader of the KKK and has been quoted to have done so to ". . . keep the niggers in their place . . ." yet renounced any actions by KKK members to specifically target negros in a public newspaper interview. Then in 1869 he officially dissolved the main body of the KKK when the US Army officially started to take action against it, and supposedly b/c other members of the KKK were become too violent for even Forrest's tastes. He then denied any connection with the remainder of the organization and become wealthy as a businessman using prisoner labor. Then what I find most suppressing is that during his last public appearance about 2 years before his death he made a speech publicly advocating black integration into society and accepted a flower and a kiss from a young black woman on stage. Whether this was a moment of great acting and restraint of racial prejudice on Forrest's part or if his opinions had truly changed by that age I do not know but perhaps experts on the man can answer me here.

As most can imagine the major opinion held by most people today about Forrest is a negative one and is mainly seen simply as a villain due to his involvement with the KKK. Regardless of that others like the historian Shelby Foote regard him as a genius for his military performances during the ACW.

So with this said could anyone here tell me perhaps what may have become of the KKK in a TL without Forrest to influence it? Would it remain an obscure gentleman's club for ex-confederates, or would other leaders take it into directions not seen in OTL? Would the atrocities committed by the KKK be fewer or more numerous without Forrest and without him to dissolve its main body would the organization have continued longer and stronger than in OTL?

PS: I understand that the subject matter of this thread will upset some readers bit I believe that this is something worth discussing maturely. I am asking everyone to please avoid posting comments that only vent personal opinions. If any use of profane language is used or a drawn out argument is started the posters responsible will be reported. Please limit your posts to logical, informative, and constructive information. Thank you.
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