Answer:
The Houston race riot, also known as the Camp Logan riot, occurred in Houston, Texas, in 1917 during World War I. Several main factors contributed to the violence of the riot:
Racial tensions: Racial tensions were already high in the United States at the time due to systemic racism and segregation. African Americans faced widespread discrimination, and there was a significant racial divide in many parts of the country, including Houston. Racial animosity and prejudices played a significant role in the escalation of the riot.
Discrimination in the military: African American soldiers serving in the U.S. military during World War I often faced discrimination and mistreatment. They were often relegated to menial labor and denied the same privileges and opportunities as their white counterparts. These discriminatory practices within the military created frustration and resentment among African American soldiers.
The Houston Police Department: The Houston Police Department at the time was known for its brutal treatment of African Americans. The police frequently harassed and abused black residents, which created a hostile relationship between the African American community and law enforcement. This antagonism contributed to the explosive nature of the riot.
The arrest of soldiers: The immediate trigger of the riot was the arrest and mistreatment of several African American soldiers from the 24th United States Infantry Regiment stationed at Camp Logan, a segregated Army training camp in Houston. The soldiers were arrested after they confronted and tried to stop the abuse of a black woman by Houston police officers. The arrest and subsequent court-martial of the soldiers fueled anger and resentment within the black community.
Inadequate legal processes: The legal system in Houston at the time was biased against African Americans. During the trial of the arrested soldiers, the court-martial process was swift, lacking due process, and racially biased. This further intensified the feelings of injustice and fueled the flames of the riot.
The combination of racial tensions, discrimination, police brutality, and the mistreatment of African American soldiers in the military contributed to the violence and outbreak of the Houston race riot during World War I.