Bread Riots
Definition
Bread riots were civil disturbances in the Confederacy, most notably in Richmond, Virginia in 1863, due to food shortages and inflation during the Civil War.
Analogy
Imagine if your school cafeteria ran out of food and prices for what little was left skyrocketed. Students would likely protest or even riot - this is similar to what happened during these bread riots.
Related terms
Confederate Inflation: The rapid increase in prices within the Confederate States due to war expenditures and blockade of Southern ports by Union forces.
Richmond Bread Riot: A specific instance of a bread riot that occurred on April 2, 1863, when hundreds of women marched through Richmond demanding government action over food shortages.
Civil War Home Front: Refers to the civilian population's experience during the Civil War; includes issues like rationing, inflation, and civil unrest.
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