The 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre, also known as the Atlanta Race Riot, was a violent racial conflict that occurred in Atlanta, Georgia, in September 1906. The incident was triggered by false allegations of African American men assaulting white women, which led to widespread panic and resulted in mob violence targeting the African American community.
On September 22, 1906, newspapers reported that four white women had been attacked by African American men. These allegations were mostly unfounded or greatly exaggerated. However, they fueled racial tensions that were already high in Atlanta due to economic competition, political disenfranchisement, and white supremacist propaganda.
As news of the alleged attacks spread, mobs of white citizens started to gather and organize violence against the city's African American population. Over several days, these mobs attacked African Americans on the streets, in their homes, and at their workplaces. They beat, lynched, and shot numerous African Americans, as well as destroyed their property.
The African American community, fearing for their lives, actively defended themselves and fought back against the white mobs. However, the disorganized African American resistance was unable to match the strength and firepower of the white attackers.
Thousands of African Americans were forced to flee the city, seeking refuge in neighboring towns and cities. It is estimated that between 10 to 25 African Americans were killed during the violence, although the exact number remains uncertain. Meanwhile, only two white individuals died, both from friendly fire.
The local authorities, including the police and military, were notably absent or ineffective during the violence. Many white residents, including prominent leaders, condoned and participated in the attacks on African Americans.
The aftermath of the Atlanta Race Massacre led to a significant decline in the city's African American population. The incident also highlighted the racial tensions and systemic racism prevalent in the American South at the time. It further demonstrated the dangers of false allegations, racial hatred, and mob violence.
1906 Atlanta Race Massacre (Riot)
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