Black Workers Aboard The Ship example essay topic

"The Toledo Riot of 1862" The events leading to the race riots of 1862 in Toledo can first be looked at in a national perspective. Nationally, there was many anti-black riots, the fear of what Negroes were going to being to the cities and fears of losing jobs headed the racism. Among northern cities, such as New York, Detroit, Boston, Chicago, and Toledo, the tensions of blacks migrating northward brought about acts of violence, Toledo was no exception. The problems that occurred in the economy in 1861-1862 through the midwest intensified racial issues in Ohio.

Negroes moving northward would take jobs from the white workers. Many attempts were made to pass laws limiting immigration of blacks into Ohio by Democratic politicians. between politicians and journalist many petitions and bills were circulating and so called "Black Laws" were being introduced to the House of Representatives. The Republican view was quite opposite. David Ross Locke, owned the Hancock Jeffersonian newspaper, created a character to make fun of the fears of the Democrats and petitioners. The character, "Petroleum V. Nas by", ridiculed the vindictive language and actions of the anti-Negro petitioners. Though many attempts were made to limit the migration of blacks into Ohio, the Ohio Constitution "protects the rights of person and property, without distinction of color in this respect".

Copperhead newspapers lashed out against blacks and their movement northward, which added to the discontent of the white workers in Toledo. On the morning of July 8, 1862 white dock workers went on strike because black workers were being paid the same as white workers. Strikers gathered at the dock to halt the loading of the ship by the black workers. With the expectation that violence may erupt, local law enforcer were call upon to protect the black workers. The black workers became subject of many verbal attacks, and countless physical attacks. Objects were being thrown and the workers by the strikers.

While trying to board the ship, a black man, trying to protect himself, drew a knife and stabbed a striker. Tending to the fallen striker, the white men did not see exactly who had stabbed the man. They demanded that he be turned over to them. The city officers protected the black workers aboard the ship. As the crowed began to grow and arguing heated up over the stabbing of the white worker, a Rev. Francis B off heard of the problems at the docks and went to talk the people. Managing to calm them only for moments, the Rev. had no lasting effect on the crowd.

The Marshall order the strikers to disperse, as the ship cast off. A man that refused to leave was arrest but escape into the crowd. The ship sailed up Maumee River. Now with the ship gone and the crowd still very angry they turned against the black residence of the city. On rampage though the streets, the men would beat black men they found and destroy houses of black families. A special police unit gathered against the rioters to end the destruction.

For their participation in the riot a total of 30 people were put on trial. Though Toledo was not among one of the cities with the most black immigrants, racial hostilities still emerged. The powers of the press to mold and instill fear on its readers can be seen here. The fear of these new immigrants brought about riots thought out the country, including Toledo, Ohio. Lev stik, Frank R. (1971/72).

The Toledo Riot of 1862: A Study of Midwest Necrophobia. Northwest Ohio Quarterly, pg... 100-106.