What impact did "Birth of a Nation" have on American society?

"Birth of a Nation," a film released in 1915, had a significant impact on American society, particularly in its portrayal of race relations and its influence on the Ku Klux Klan. This silent epic, directed by D.W. Griffith, presented a highly controversial and biased view of the Reconstruction era, depicting African Americans in a negative light and portraying the KKK as heroic figures.

The film's narrative reinforced existing racial stereotypes and provided a romanticized version of white supremacy that resonated with many audiences at the time. Its release coincided with a period of increasing racial tension and the revival of the Klan, leading to a substantial resurgence in the organization’s membership and influence throughout the 1920s. This revival was fueled by the film’s popularity, which not only glorified the Klan but also prompted a new generation to adopt its ideologies.

Therefore, the film's portrayal and the sentiments it stirred contributed significantly to the re-establishment of the KKK as a powerful force in American society, impacting societal attitudes towards race and obstructing progress toward racial equality for many years.