Does racial violence really have to do with race? Or is it about politics? One of the most horrific manifestations of causeless violence in American history was undoubtedly about politics and race, the Colfax Massacre. Before we get into the details of the massacre, let's look a little further back. The period of reconstruction that took place after the Civil War was to be a time of great change and prosperity. It was intended to correct the failures of American politics and society. Unfortunately, however, “one of the worst and most violent eras in American history. During that time, thousands of African Americans were killed by domestic terrorists such as the Ku Klux Klan who sought to enforce antebellum policies of white supremacy” (Lewis) In this article we will explore the events and policies that led to and followed Colfax. massacre and what the events that happened say about that time period. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The precursor to the Reconstruction period was undoubtedly the Civil War in which the Southern states attempted to secede from the union. The Union (Northern) prevailed and the Reconstruction period began. It started off extremely positively. Southern laws and policies were “reconstructed” in favor of equality. “The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments were designed to grant equality to recently emancipated slaves.” (Unlimited) These amendments were essential to protecting the rights of African Americans. Another leap forward for the black community was the power to hold office and they used this newfound power to hold office. “Sixteen African Americans served in Congress during Reconstruction, and at least 600 served in state legislatures, with hundreds more in local offices.” This wonderful beginning of Reconstruction was crushed by white Southern Democrats. Groups like the Ku Klux Klan began to emerge to terrorize, “disenfranchise, and limit the rights of former slaves.” (Lewis) Democrats not only had problems with African Americans, but also with “rugbag” Republicans. These events culminated in Colfax, Louisiana in April 1873. The African American community feared that hateful white leaders would attempt to take over Grant Parish, a local courthouse for the regional government. “An all-black militia took control of the local courthouse in April 1873. Soon after, a mob of more than 150 white men, mostly former Confederate soldiers and members of the Ku Klux Klan and White League arrived and surrounded the courthouse.” The black defenders surrendered after a few days of fighting, but instead of taking prisoners or arresting the former slaves, “the white mob killed many black men, shooting at them and hanging some.” This particular event seems to many, pardon the phrase, black and white in that white Democrats were using violence to force their opponents to submit. Surprisingly or perhaps not, depending on how much you know about Southern hatred, the plaque commemorating the Colfax Massacre reads as follows: “At this site the Colfax Riot occurred in which three white men and 150 Negroes were killed. This April 13, 1873 event marks the end of pickpocket misrule in the South. (Lewis) This plaque appears to celebrate the event in question. If we look at the Colfax massacre or the Colfax riot as they call it from the point of view of the Southern white Democratic aggressors. They simply see this event as a defense against criminals, rapists and traitors. Instead of black men taking up residence in the courthouse as they did..