What were some white landowners attempting to achieve through their violence against the African Americans?

White landowners often resorted to violence against African Americans to maintain control over their labor and preserve the social and economic hierarchies established after the Civil War. By instilling fear through acts of violence, they aimed to suppress any attempts at resistance or demands for civil rights and economic independence. This violence was also a means to reinforce white supremacy and prevent African Americans from gaining political power or social mobility. Ultimately, it was part of a broader strategy to uphold their economic interests and social dominance in the post-emancipation era.