The Chicago Race Riot of 1919

The Red Summer, 1919

• Eruption of racial violence and rioting
• Communist and anarchist threats
• Around 40 riots nationwide

What led to the Red Summer?

• Great Migration => Neighborhood segregation 
• Post-War Tensions
• Returning Soldiers => Job Competition

Chicago Neighborhood Patterns

• Blockbusting
• Ethnic enclaves & gangs

The Riot

• Murder of Eugene Williams
• Poor police response 
• Racial violence erupts quickly
• Providence Hospital Riot
• 6,000 troops deployed to prevent white attacks

Ramifications

• Detrimental to Chicago's economy
• 15,000 African Americans banned from work
• Racial Tensions and Mistrust of Police

http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/The-312/February-2013/Photos-and...