Unit 1 Lesson 4: Progressive Era Social Reform (note: you might also find information in Unit 1 Lesson 8: African Americans and Segregation)
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?
The 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre, also known as the Atlanta Race Riot, involved multiple groups of people and had significant effects on various communities.
The event primarily involved white mobs and African Americans living in Atlanta. However, it also affected the city as a whole and had broader implications for race relations in Georgia and the South.
The Atlanta Race Massacre was sparked by false accusations of assault made by white women against African American men. These accusations led to heightened tensions between the races. On September 22, 1906, amidst growing racial animosity, violence erupted in the streets of Atlanta. White mobs attacked African American neighborhoods and businesses, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. The violence also led to widespread destruction and looting.
The event took place in Atlanta, Georgia, primarily in downtown areas and African American neighborhoods such as Sweet Auburn.
The Atlanta Race Massacre occurred during the Progressive Era, which was a period of widespread social activism and reform in the early 20th century. Specifically, it took place on September 22-24, 1906.
This event is important to Georgia's history as it highlights the deep-seated racial tensions and systemic racism that persisted in the state during the Progressive Era. The violence and destruction inflicted upon African American communities revealed the harsh realities of segregation and discrimination in Georgia. Furthermore, the event prompted efforts by civil rights activists to fight against racial inequality and push for social reform in the state and the South.