The city of Detroit, Michigan, was the site of the worst urban riot in the United States during the 1960s.
The Detroit Riot of 1967
Often referred to as the 12th Street Riot, the Detroit uprising began on July 23, 1967, and escalated into one of the most severe and destructive civil disturbances in American history. Lasting for five full days, the riot significantly impacted the city and drew national attention to the deep-seated racial tensions of the era.
The events unfolded after a police raid on an unlicensed drinking club (a "blind pig") in a predominantly African American neighborhood. What started as a protest quickly spiraled into widespread looting, arson, and confrontations between residents and law enforcement.
Impact and Aftermath
The scale of the Detroit Riot's devastation was unparalleled for its time, leaving a lasting scar on the community. The severity of the unrest necessitated an overwhelming response, including the deployment of thousands of military personnel.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 days |
| Fatalities | 43 deaths |
| Injuries | 342 injuries |
| Buildings Destroyed | 1,400 buildings burned or severely damaged |
| Troops Deployed | 7,000 National Guard and U.S. Army troops |
The sheer number of casualties and the extensive property damage highlighted the extreme unrest. The deployment of 7,000 National Guard and U.S. Army troops underscored the inability of local police to control the situation, marking a critical moment in the history of urban civil disturbances.
Broader Context of 1960s Riots
The 1960s were a period of intense social upheaval in the United States, fueled by the Civil Rights Movement and widespread frustration over racial inequality, poverty, and police brutality. While many cities experienced riots during this tumultuous decade, including Watts (Los Angeles) in 1965 and Newark in 1967, the Detroit riot stood out due to its prolonged duration, the extent of the damage, and the high number of casualties.
- Underlying Causes: The riots were symptoms of systemic issues, including:
- Racial discrimination in housing, employment, and education.
- High rates of unemployment among African Americans.
- Police brutality and racial profiling.
- Segregation and poor living conditions in urban ghettos.
The Detroit Riot served as a stark warning about the consequences of neglecting these deep-seated grievances, prompting national discussions and government commissions aimed at understanding and addressing the root causes of urban unrest. For more information on the Detroit Riot, you can visit the History.com article on the Detroit Riots.
