APRIL 2, 1863:
Dire food shortages triggered violent bread riots in
Richmond, capital of the Confederacy, 150 years ago today during the Civil War.
The rioting began when hundreds of women demanding emergency provisions became
the flashpoint for a mob protest that surged across the city's business
district. Many shattered windows and looted storefronts before the rioting subsided.
The crowd swelled to hundreds---several armed with clubs, guns and stones. A
witness said: "They broke open the Government stores and took bread,
clothing and whatever else they wanted." Military action in Virginia had
depleted food stocks and conditions for civilians crowding Richmond were
severe. The report said order was restored only after Confederate President
Jefferson Davis warned his militias could use force to intervene. But
ultimately his government released more food for the hungry.
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