What common justification was often cited for lynching in the U.S. South?

The justification often cited for lynching in the U.S. South, particularly in the context of white supremacy and racial violence, was the alleged murder of a white person. This rationale was used to frame the act of lynching as an act of retribution or justice, often in a highly charged racial atmosphere where the mere accusation against a Black individual could lead to mob violence without a fair trial. These allegations frequently stemmed from deeply ingrained racial prejudices and stereotypes that depicted Black individuals as inherently violent or threatening.

As a result, accusations—sometimes based on minimal evidence or completely unfounded—were used to incite public outrage and justify extrajudicial killings. This framing allowed communities to maintain social order, as defined by white supremacy, by instilling fear in both Black individuals and white allies. Thus, the narrative surrounding the alleged murder of a white person served as a potent catalyst for lynching, reinforcing systemic racism and violence during this dark chapter in American history.