How The Astor Place Riot Changed American Society

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When 10,000 people mobbed the outside of the Astor Place Opera House in 1849, over 20 people were left dead and 100 injured, including military and townspeople. A botched attempt by rioters resulted in action by a higher force. “In the midst of this scene of clamor and outrage, was heard the clatter of a troop of hose approaching the scene. ‘The military—the military are coming!’ was the exclamation of the crowd” (Account of the Terrific and Fatal Riot, p.p. 6). The events of this night caused society to take a closer look into how the setup of government was affecting the people. The Astor Place Riot changed American society’s outlook on how citizens should be treated. During the 1800’s, the United States government faced many issues. In …show more content…

On the night of May 7, 1849, an actor of English heritage, William MacReady, was scheduled to perform ‘MacBeth’ at the Astor Place Opera House in New York City. “In the opera seasons, it [The Astor Place Opera House] has been attended by the most wealthy and fashionable people, who have made extravagant displays of luxurious adornment, while the upper tier has been reserved for people of humbler means,” (THEATER). MacReady’s biggest rival, Edwin Forrest, was scheduled to perform the same play, in the same city, on the same …show more content…

Rather than to support MacReady, they came to sabotage his performance and embarrass him. Sitting from the upper balcony, also considered the seating for regular people, the rival’s supporters discomfited MacReady in any way possible. They proceeded to throw chairs and vegetables at the stage, forcing MacReady to withdraw from his performance (Mroczka). Later on, during the same evening, MacReady proclaimed that his plans were to travel back to England on the next ship possible. MacReady never had intentions to return to America, let alone, New York City again (Domestic. Riot in New York!). However, the elite classes persuaded the actor to stay in the city and perform the same play again three nights later, on the evening of May

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