Blog 8

The Wilmington insurrection of 1898, or the Wilmington massacre, was a riot carried out by white supremacists. The white press described the event as a race riot caused by black people, as the white press typically did when faced with news of race massacres. For all the violent moments in United States history, the mob’s gruesome attack was unique. It was the only coup d’état ever to take place on American soil.

Thesis: Although the movements and efforts were intended to increase civil rights, The Wilmington insurrection hindered the progression of the change instituted by the law.