1865 Reform Riots

The 1865 Reform Riots occurred after the American Civil War, primarily in New York City. They were driven by anger over the end of slavery and fears among working-class people that freed African Americans would take their jobs or lower wages. White workers, feeling threatened and resentful, protested violently, attacking black neighborhoods and businesses, and clashing with authorities. These riots highlighted racial tensions and economic anxieties during the Reconstruction Era, reflecting both societal fears of change and deep-seated racial prejudices. The violence underscored the challenges of integrating formerly enslaved people into American society.