Attica+prison+riots

=Attica Prison Riots=

==Overview== = = The prison riots of Attica occurred at the Attica Correctional Facility in Attica, New York in 1971. The inmates of the jail were unsatisfied with the living conditions of the facility, an example being that they received one shower per week and one roll of toilet paper per month. Of the approximately 2,000 detainees were black and the entire staff of the prison was white; this caused some racial tension between the two groups.

Central Issue
The riot started on September 9, at around eight in the morning. A prison guard was trying to get the inmates to return to their cells after their morning breakfast. Being a rookie, the guard underestimated the crowd and soon was assaulted by the inmates. Next, the angry mob seized control of the central control room, which put them in control of the entire prison. They took 42 hostages and started making a list of grievances they had towards the prison guards. They demanded their rights and better living conditions. Negotiations with the outside authorities were unsuccessful. On September 13, the prison was retaken through means of tear gas and state troops taking open fire at inmates.

Conclusion / Historical Significance
==== The Attica prison riot was the worst riot in American history. The total death toll of this horrific event was 37 inmates, guards, or innocent hostages from the prison. The guards retaliated violently towards the inmates, brutally beating them, having them crawl through mud naked, and even accused of one being castrated. Trails affiliated with this riot lasted for year, even into the 21st Century.