Camp Logan Mutiny

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The Camp Logan Mutiny was a mutiny in Houston, Texas, USA in 1917 that occurred as black soldiers demanded equal treatment and an end to lynchings in the area. The mutiny was unsuccessful.

Background

Following the United States' entry into World War I, black soldiers were sent to Houston the guard the construction of a new military base in New Mexico. Angered by racial abuse from construction workers, the enforcement of Jim Crow Laws and harassment from the police. Breaking point was reached after rumours of a black soldier being killed by police spread throughout the soldiers (the soldier hadn't been killed, but arrested randomly and beaten for inquiring about the arrest).

Events

Upon hearing of the killing of a black soldier, 156 soldiers gathered up weapons and marched into town, where local whites armed themselves. 4 black soldiers were killed as were 15 white locals, including several police.

Results

The soldiers were eventually arrested, and 19 soldiers were hung with 63 others being given life sentences. It was later found that many were charged on faulty evidence, and no whites were brought to trial, being a classic example of racism in the justice system. Many soldiers were released 20 years later.

References

The 1917 Camp Logan mutiny, Houston Texas