NCJ Number
152661
Journal
Low Intensity Conflict and Law Enforcement Volume: 2 Issue: 3 Dated: (Winter 1993) Pages: 513-545
Date Published
1993
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This article examines the role played by the U.S. Army in maintaining civil order during historical periods marked by urban riots.
Abstract
An examination of several noteworthy disorders from America's past -- the Stamp Act riots of 1765, Shays Rebellion in 1786-1787, the 1844 Philadelphia riots, New York Draft riots in 1863, and the race and labor riots during the period between the 1870's and the 1920's -- demonstrate that, in general, Americans have rioted against perceived injustice and authority, as a manifestation of ethnic or racial tension, or in reaction to economic frustration. American riots are characterized by certain behaviors displayed by rioters and police forces, and by the criminal justice response in the postriot period. The article compares and contrasts the urban riots experienced in the U.S. in the 1960's (i.e., Watts) with the 1992 Los Angeles riots that erupted after the acquittal of white police officers accused of beating a black motorist. While both eras were characterized by rampant poverty, widespread distrust of the police, and feelings of powerlessness, Los Angeles in 1992 was marked by a changed racial mix in which diverse ethnic groups were competing for jobs, housing, and economic security, and in which violent crime has dramatically increased. Contemporary urban American is a challenging environment for civil disturbance operations. The National Guard and Army must be prepared to respond effectively to future disorders. 132 notes