Race Riots

Throughout time, and throughout the black man's struggle for equality, the white man's push for segregation has been an enormous ordeal to overcome. Although blacks endured many hardships, none were more demoralizing for blacks than that of racial riots.

Now there were many cases of racial riots throughout the history of black and white inequality. One for instance is the race related riot that occurred in Springfield, Illinois in 1908. This riot will go down in history as one of the worst ever. Leaving two dead and many homeless through acts of violence and destruction was just the beginning of what blacks would have to face in many years to come.

In many cases of rioting towards the opposite race, the white man's job was being threatened by the blacks. Especially during the post-war periods where many blacks were coming back looking for work. This unsettling act was agonizing whites and called for them to take actions into their own hands.

By the turn of the century, there were great tensions between blacks and whites. From the time of the slaves being freed, all the way to the taking of "white jobs", to the inter-racial relationships of blacks and whites. The white man's ego was being taunted which lead to unthinkable actions by white communities.

With racial tensions already brewing throughout the South between black and white communities, it was just a matter of time before things would get out of control, therefore, it was always that edge of tension which lead to rioting. The burning of buildings, looting, lynchings and just mass destruction all symbolized the white man's hate towards blacks in America.

In conclusion, rioting by whites was aimed at demoralizing blacks and dashing there hopes of equality. It was a symbolic way of showing hate towards blacks and all those threatening the dominance of the white race.