Flour Riot of 1837
Encyclopedia
The Flour Riot of 1837 was a riot
that broke out in New York City
in 1837. The riot was caused by a combination of poverty
and the rising cost of flour
, which had increased from $5.62 a barrel (196 lb or 88.9 kg) to $12 a barrel.
Riot
A riot is a form of civil disorder characterized often by what is thought of as disorganized groups lashing out in a sudden and intense rash of violence against authority, property or people. While individuals may attempt to lead or control a riot, riots are thought to be typically chaotic and...
that broke out in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
in 1837. The riot was caused by a combination of poverty
Poverty
Poverty is the lack of a certain amount of material possessions or money. Absolute poverty or destitution is inability to afford basic human needs, which commonly includes clean and fresh water, nutrition, health care, education, clothing and shelter. About 1.7 billion people are estimated to live...
and the rising cost of flour
Flour
Flour is a powder which is made by grinding cereal grains, other seeds or roots . It is the main ingredient of bread, which is a staple food for many cultures, making the availability of adequate supplies of flour a major economic and political issue at various times throughout history...
, which had increased from $5.62 a barrel (196 lb or 88.9 kg) to $12 a barrel.