Final answer:
The Ku Klux Klan's legacy includes persistent racial tensions, the perpetuation of white supremacy, and societal divisions that have long-lasting repercussions on American society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) had long-term negative effects on American society, primarily through the deep-seated racial tensions and societal divisions it fostered. Its legacy of intimidation and violence against African Americans and other minority groups has had lasting repercussions, influencing attitudes and institutional practices. The Klan contributed significantly to the perpetuation of white supremacy, and its activities undermined the progress of civil rights, fostered a culture of violence and bigotry, and destabilized communities.
Even after the Klan's prominence waned, the fear and distrust its actions sowed continued to affect social interactions and impede the full realization of equality and justice. The societal impacts of its campaigns of terror are evident today in the persistent racial inequalities and the divisive rhetoric that can still be found in some segments of society.
Furthermore, the connections between the Klan's activities and political maneuvers to suppress African American and minority rights reveal a historical pattern of racially motivated strategies that shaped the political landscape of the United States, contributing to policy decisions and legal frameworks that reinforced segregation and discriminatory practices.