Like the Klan, the neo-Nazis were small in number and highly fragmented.
Their cities, plantations and farms were ruined; they were impoverished and often hungry; there was an occupation army in their midst; and Reconstruction governments threatened to usurp the traditional white ruling authority.
Tate Brady participated in the riot.
But the public front was mild compared to the covert preparations for violence that had preoccupied him for years.
Political opportunists from both parties wanted to use membership to their political advantage.
The Klan also reeled under the weight of internal squabbles over money and power.