Beating them Back Many Americans firmly believe that Blacks are members of an inferior race. How else can you explain their seeming lack of achievement? Never mind that Blacks have been denied job opportunities, book-learning and social graces for 240 years. Still, Jack Johnson becomes the first Black to win the heavyweight boxing title, defeating a former champion white boxer.

	Show of White Solidarity The KKK was considered extinct, having been quickly outlawed soon after the Civil War. But a block-buster film is now released which glorifies the Klan as noble, dedicated to preserving America from defilement by Blacks. This leads to the immediate re-emergence of white-robed KKK members, in huge numbers, from Massachusetts to California. There are two KKK rallies in Washington with 50,000 marchers, though they aren't allowed to hide their faces. KKK membership eventually tops 5 million.
	Media Assist The KKK revival is sparked by the 1915 release of Birth of a Nation, which creates a sensation as America's first epic film. The sprawling 3-hour drama begins with a cinematically masterful portrayal of the Civil War, with broad historical accuracy. After the intermission, however, it veers sideways to portray cynical white Northerners attempting to use clueless Blacks to subjugate Whites. Klansmen arrive as saviors. Critics are outraged, but white audiences respond with enthusiastic cheers and hoots.