Food Fights
From the earliest days of American history through the first decades of the 20th century, Americans rose up repeatedly to beat back rising food costs. They did so out of the belief that all members of the community had the right to a just price for bread.
Illustration by Thomas Hedger
1710–13: Boston Bread Riots
Location: Boston, MA
Food: Bread
On May 19, 1713, 200 rioters gathered in Boston Common to protest a severe shortage, going on to cut the rudders of the ships of merchant Andrew Belcher — who was known to be selling foodstuffs to the Caribbean, where prices were higher — and storm his warehouses to steal corn.
May 1777
Location: New York, NY
Food: Tea
Sorry, but this article is available to subscribers only. Please log in or become a subscriber.