Final answer:
The riot squad calmed the crowd by employing various strategies, including persuasion and the threat of force.
Step-by-step explanation:
The riot squad managed to calm the crowd through different means depending on the specific situation. In the case of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, he addressed the group with a combination of sympathy, promises, and the threat of force. This approach persuaded the rioters to leave and restored calm. In other instances, such as the Chicago riot in 1968, the use of a large police presence and the threat of force resulted in a violent clash between the police and protesters.