It originally started as a fraternal order of Confederate veterans, the name probably derives from the Greek, kuklos, meaning circle. In this case a circle of friends or clan. The South was still occupied by Union troops, and former slaves were free to go where they wanted. Martial law was still in effect for the most part, and many local southern officials had been removed from office after the war. There was a lot of lawlessness, especially from outsiders, and the Union troops were not focusing on solving local problems. The Klan filled the void as they assumed protection for local citizens, and avenged attacks and murders on the population.