List of riots

List of Riots

A depiction of a riot in the streets.

A riot is a form of civil disorder commonly characterized by a group lashing out in a violent public disturbance against authority, property, or people. Riots often occur in reaction to a perceived grievance or out of dissent. The following is a list of notable riots throughout history, illustrating the various causes and impacts of such events.

Historical Riots

Boston Massacre (1770)

The Boston Massacre, a pivotal event leading up to the American Revolution.

The Boston Massacre occurred on March 5, 1770, and was a confrontation in which British soldiers shot and killed several people while being harassed by a mob in Boston. This event is often cited as a catalyst for the American Revolution, highlighting the tensions between the American colonists and British authorities.

Coldbath Fields Riot (1833)

Poster for the Coldbath Fields meeting, which led to a riot.

The Coldbath Fields Riot took place on May 13, 1833, in London. It was a protest organized by the National Union of the Working Classes against the government. The riot resulted in the death of a police officer and highlighted the growing unrest among the working class during the Industrial Revolution.

Philadelphia Nativist Riots (1844)

Depiction of the Philadelphia Nativist Riots.

The Philadelphia Nativist Riots were a series of riots that took place in Philadelphia in 1844. These riots were fueled by anti-immigrant sentiment, particularly against Irish Catholics. The violence resulted in several deaths and the destruction of property, reflecting the ethnic and religious tensions of the time.

Causes of Riots

Riots can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Political Grievances: Discontent with government policies or actions.
• Economic Hardship: High unemployment, poverty, and economic inequality.
• Social Inequality: Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or religion.
• Trigger Events: Specific incidents that ignite existing tensions.

Impact of Riots

Riots can have significant social, economic, and political impacts, such as:

• Social Change: Riots can lead to reforms and changes in policy.
• Economic Damage: Destruction of property and loss of business.
• Political Repercussions: Changes in leadership or government policies.

Also see

• Civil disorder
• Protest
• Revolution
• Social movement