History The Civil Rights Movement Questions Medium
The Watts Riots, also known as the Watts Rebellion, took place in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, from August 11 to 17, 1965. The riots were a significant event in the Civil Rights Movement and had several major outcomes.
The major events of the Watts Riots began on August 11, 1965, when a routine traffic stop escalated into a violent confrontation between a white California Highway Patrol officer and an African American motorist. The arrest and subsequent beating of the motorist, Marquette Frye, sparked outrage among the predominantly African American residents of Watts, who had long endured racial discrimination, poverty, and police brutality.
The anger and frustration of the community quickly turned into a full-scale riot, with widespread looting, arson, and violence. Over the course of six days, the riots resulted in 34 deaths, including both civilians and law enforcement officers, and over 1,000 injuries. More than 1,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed, and thousands of people were arrested.
The Watts Riots had several major outcomes. Firstly, they brought national attention to the issues of racial inequality and police brutality faced by African Americans in urban areas. The riots highlighted the deep-seated frustrations and grievances of the African American community, leading to increased awareness and support for the Civil Rights Movement.
Secondly, the Watts Riots prompted a significant shift in government policies and programs. The federal government, under President Lyndon B. Johnson, established the McCone Commission to investigate the causes of the riots and propose solutions. The commission's report emphasized the need for increased job opportunities, better housing, and improved community relations. As a result, the government implemented various social and economic programs aimed at addressing the underlying issues of poverty and discrimination.
Lastly, the Watts Riots served as a catalyst for the Black Power movement, which emerged as a more radical and militant approach to civil rights activism. The riots demonstrated the frustration with nonviolent protests and the belief that more assertive and confrontational tactics were necessary to achieve meaningful change.
In conclusion, the major events of the Watts Riots involved a violent uprising against racial inequality and police brutality, resulting in significant loss of life and property. The outcomes of the riots included increased national attention to racial issues, policy changes to address poverty and discrimination, and the emergence of the Black Power movement.