The 1967 Detroit Riots: When Motown Got a Little Too Hot
Remember that summer jam where the whole city decided to, well, jam? Yeah, that wasn't exactly a pool party. We're talking about the 1967 Detroit riots, a week-long event that turned up the heat a little too high. So, how did Uncle Sam react when the Motor City went into overdrive? Buckle up, because it's a ride.
From 0 to 60 in No Time: The Riot Erupts
Imagine this: it's a sweltering July night in Detroit. Tensions are already high, thanks to a police raid gone sideways. Frustration explodes, and next thing you know, sparks are flying (literally, buildings were on fire). The National Guard rolls in, but things are escalating faster than you can say "Smokey Robinson."
Enter the Feds: _"We're Here to Help (Maybe)"_
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President Lyndon B. Johnson, ever the charmer, wasn't exactly thrilled with the whole Detroit situation. At first, there was some political wrangling with the Governor about who gets to call in the big guns. Finally, with Detroit looking like a scene from an action movie, Johnson sends in the U.S. Army. Paratroopers, folks! Paratroopers!
The Aftermath: Picking Up the Pieces (and Figuring Out What Went Wrong)
Once the dust settled (and, let's be honest, there was a lot of dust), it was time to assess the damage. Buildings were toast, people were hurt, and the whole thing left a bad taste in everyone's mouth. President Johnson, ever the optimist, decided to get to the bottom of things. Enter the Kerner Commission, a fancy way of saying a group of brainiacs tasked with figuring out why everyone was so mad.
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The Kerner Commission Report: "Surprise! It's Racism!"
Spoiler alert: the Kerner Commission didn't exactly discover fire. Their report pointed a big, fat finger at racial discrimination, poverty, and unequal opportunities as the main culprits behind the riots. It wasn't exactly sunshine and rainbows, but at least it was a start.
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| How Did The Federal Government Respond To Riots In Detroit In 1967 |
Burning Questions Answered: Your Detroit Riot FAQ
How to avoid a riot in your neighborhood?
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.
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Treat everyone with respect, regardless of race or background. That, and maybe avoid any questionable police raids in the middle of summer.
How many federal troops were sent to Detroit?
Enough to make a serious dent in any dance competition. Estimates say around 9,000 National Guard troops and several thousand paratroopers.
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How long did the riots last?
A hot and heavy week. Thankfully, things calmed down after seven long days.
How many people were hurt?
Way too many. Estimates range from hundreds to thousands of injuries.
How did the Kerner Commission report influence the future?
It helped bring issues of racial inequality to the forefront, but some argue it didn't lead to enough concrete change.
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