What was the reasoning for most of the 5000 lynches between 1880-1940?

The majority of the approximately 5,000 lynchings in the United States between 1880 and 1940 were primarily driven by racial violence against African Americans, rooted in systemic racism and white supremacy. Lynching was often justified by unfounded accusations of crimes, particularly against white women, and was used as a tool for social control, intimidation, and maintaining racial hierarchies. It reflected broader societal fears and tensions during a time of significant social change, including the Great Migration and the Civil Rights Movement. The practice was often tolerated or even supported by local law enforcement and communities, further entrenching a culture of violence and impunity.