1906 Atlanta Race Massacre (Riot)

Who was involved? Think about the people or groups who were involved and affected by this event.

What happened? Summarize the event!

Where did the event take place?

What region(s) of Georgia did the event take place in?

When did the event take place?

Why is this event important to Georgia’s history?

1 answer

The 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre, also known as the Atlanta Race Riot, involved African Americans, white mobs, and the Atlanta Police Department.

The event began on September 22, 1906, when newspapers reported several alleged assaults on white women by African American men. This sparked widespread fear and anger, leading to a mob of white individuals attacking and killing African Americans throughout Atlanta. The violence included beatings, lynching, and arson, with mobs targeting African American homes and businesses.

The event primarily took place in downtown Atlanta, specifically in the neighborhoods of Sweet Auburn and the Fourth Ward.

The event occurred in the state of Georgia, specifically in the city of Atlanta.

The Atlanta Race Massacre took place over a week, from September 22 to 29, 1906.

This event is important to Georgia's history because it represents a dark period of racial violence and discrimination. It highlighted the deeply ingrained racism and segregation in Atlanta and the state of Georgia as a whole. The aftermath of the massacre led to heightened tensions between the African American and white communities and further entrenched segregationist policies in the region. It also exposed the failures in law enforcement and the justice system, as the Atlanta Police Department did little to intervene and effectively control the violence. Overall, the 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre serves as a reminder of the racial division and inequality that plagued Georgia's history.