1968 Detroit riot facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 1968 Detroit riot |
|
|---|---|
| Part of the King assassination riots | |
| Date | April 4–5, 1968 |
| Location | |
| Caused by | Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. |
| Casualties | |
| Death(s) | 1 |
The 1968 Detroit riot was a time of trouble and unrest that happened in Detroit, Michigan. It took place on April 4–5, 1968. This event happened right after the sad news that Martin Luther King Jr. had been killed.
Less than a year before, in 1967, Detroit had also seen a lot of unrest. Now, parts of 12th Street (which is now called Rosa Parks Boulevard) became chaotic again. This happened in Detroit at the same time as similar events in over 100 other cities across the United States.
What Caused the 1968 Detroit Unrest?
The main reason for the unrest in Detroit was the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.. He was a very important leader in the Civil Rights Movement. He worked for equal rights for all people. When he was killed, many people felt very sad, angry, and frustrated. This led to protests and unrest in many cities.
What Happened During the Unrest?
During the unrest, Michigan Governor George W. Romney asked the National Guard to come to Detroit. The National Guard is a group of trained citizens who can help in emergencies.
People threw objects at cars and broke windows of stores. About three dozen fires were started in different places. Sadly, one person died during these events.
This period of unrest showed how much pain and anger many people felt after Martin Luther King Jr.'s death. It was a difficult time for the city of Detroit and for the country.
See also
In Spanish: Disturbio de Detroit de 1968 para niños
