These were acts designed to protect blacks and white Republicans from the intimidation tactics of white supremacist groups like the Klan and the White League.
A stipulation in the 1st Enforcement Act (1870), for instance, stated: "If two or more persons shall band or conspire together, or
go in disguise upon the public highway, or upon the premises of another, with intent to violate
any provision of this act, or to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any citizen with intent to
prevent or hinder his free exercise and enjoyment of any right or privilege granted or secured to
him by the Constitution or laws of the United States ... such persons shall be held guilty of felony, and, on conviction thereof, shall be fined or
imprisoned, or both, at the discretion of the court."
