The East St. Louis Riots of 1917 were a series of race riots that took place in East St. Louis, Illinois, from July 2 to July 10, 1917. The riots were a result of increasing racial tensions between African American and white residents, as well as tensions between African American workers and white industrial workers during World War I. The riots were triggered by a conflict between African American and white workers at a meatpacking plant, which quickly escalated into a larger conflict between African American and white residents.
During the eight days of the riots, at least 40 people were killed, and hundreds were injured. Over 6,000 African American residents were left homeless, and numerous homes and businesses were destroyed. The East St. Louis Riots were one of the deadliest race riots in American history, and they had a significant impact on the city and its residents. The riots led to increased racial tensions and a heightened sense of mistrust between African American and white residents, and they also led to changes in the way that East St. Louis was policed.
The East St. Louis Riots of 1917 were a significant event in American history, as they highlighted the deep racial divides that existed in American society during World War I and the ongoing struggle for racial equality in the United States. The riots were a turning point in the struggle for civil rights, as they demonstrated the need for better law enforcement and the importance of preserving civil order during times of national crisis.