Arguments for "continuation":
* Ideology: Both the Civil War and the actions of white supremacist groups were driven by a desire to maintain white supremacy and racial inequality.
* Methods: The Klan and similar groups used violence, intimidation, and terrorism, similar to the tactics employed by Confederate forces during the war.
* Targeting: Both during the Civil War and in the subsequent era, the target of these actions was Black Americans and their pursuit of equality.
* Resistance: The fight against white supremacy and racial injustice, as seen in the Civil Rights Movement, can be viewed as a continuation of the fight for freedom started during the Civil War.
Arguments against "continuation":
* Formal Conflict: While the KKK and other groups engaged in acts of violence, there was no formal, declared war between the government and these groups.
* Changing Context: The post-Civil War era saw significant changes in the legal and political landscape, with Reconstruction efforts aimed at establishing racial equality. The KKK and white supremacist groups were reacting to these changes, not necessarily continuing the war in the traditional sense.
* Different Goals: While the underlying ideology of white supremacy remained, the KKK's goals were often more focused on maintaining social and political control rather than outright secession.
Overall:
The actions of the KKK and other white supremacy groups represent a dark chapter in American history, and their ideology stemmed from the same racist foundations that fueled the Civil War. However, calling it a direct continuation of the war is a simplification.
It's more accurate to say that the KKK and other white supremacy groups represent a continuation of the struggle for racial equality that began during the Civil War. This struggle has taken many forms, including legal battles, social movements, and acts of resistance against the forces of white supremacy. The Civil War may have ended in 1865, but the fight for racial justice continues today.