The Klu Klux Klan originated in the United States and discriminated against African Americans, Jews, Christians and others. It consisted of multiple iterations, including the first Klan from 1865-1870s with 550,000 members. Klan members wore masks and robes to hide their identities when attacking people. The KKK killed many political leaders and African American community members, and also engaged in violence such as burning houses with occupants inside. They believed in white supremacy and aimed to suppress black voting through intimidation and violence, killing over 2,000 people near the 1868 presidential election. Resistance emerged against the KKK, but it remained a violent and powerful organization that targeted racial and religious minorities.