When New York City rioted over two actors and Shakespeare: the Astor Place Riot

Amid the tensions of a growing America, a rivalry between two great actors turns violent. The Astor Place Riot also called the New York City Shakespeare Riot, is history that deserves to be remembered.
This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As images of actual events are sometimes not available, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
This episode deals with a period of conflict. All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
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The History Guy: History Deserves to Be Remembered is the place to find short snippets of forgotten history from five to fifteen minutes long. If you like history too, this is the channel for you.
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#newyorkcity #ushistory #thehistoryguy

[@calinculianu]

Wow. I'm a native New Yorker and I never knew any of this history. I know all the place names and streets you mention (they are still there!) -- but NONE of the history. Coal miners reciting Shakespeare from memory? What different times! Yet again: You made me get goosebumps and a tingle down my spine. I love your channel, History Guy!

[@theadventuresofjavier8698]

Just noticed the KZbin award. Congratulations

[@calinculianu]

He deserved it. And like 20 more.

[@theadventuresofjavier8698]

Calin Culianu yes he does

[@mercoid]

It a major award! Leg lamp

[@libertyresearch-iu4fy]

@I Control My Fate You wish.

[@jcannoncraig]

@@mercoid "fra-gee-le"- must be Italian!

[@larrydavis3645]

Thank you for remembering this part of American history. Even I appeared in a Shakespeare play while I was in college.

[@stevegardner9258]

You easily have the best popular history channel on KZbin. Been with you for a year now, watching your channel and subscriptions grow. The quality of your content is first-rate.

[@stoneyll]

Been waiting for the latest History Guy video~! Thank you, and never a disappointment..~!

[@ravebiscuits8721]

I have to say, as an Englishman, that Americans can be as proud of Shakespeare as we are. We are both the sons of the same culture that created Shakespeare. It saddens me that the US sometimes doesn't feel like it had a medieval history when the medieval history of the UK, and other European countries such as Germany ect, are the direct ancestors of the US. They should enjoy the castles, the culture and the art of Europe as much as we do, because they only are as far removed from our cultural ancestors as we are. A person can be just as proud of one's grandparent as any other grandchild, even if they end up living further away, and are somewhat more changed than we are. Because we both would be nothing without them. Edit: I should explain that I'm using ancestry as a metaphor, I'm really talking about cultural ancestry not genetic. And I should also apologise for the dramatic way I wrote all that, I was absolutely plastered at the time and was feeling overly poetic!

[@rcknbob1]

Hear, hear! As one who first read Shakespeare at about 9 years old (with a parent to help me understand), I agree with your sentiment, although I hadn't thought of it in the terms of ancestry as you expressed. Long live the "special relationship " between us and Old Blighty!

[@pmritzen2597]

At least you can't say you weren't honest! Out of the mouths of drunks, rules to live by!

[@iforgettherestwhitman1483]

As an American, I, ridiculously, have tears in my eyes as I thank you for the warm, inclusive remarks on our common European cultural ancestry. Our American cultural ancestry is as diverse as the multitude of nations from which we are drawn, including our Native Americans, and except for the latter, you are right in pointing out that our cultural ancestry did not strictly begin here. Many Americans, myself included, feel the disdain and ill-will of much of the rest of the world every day, through media of all kinds. We know ourselves to be often regarded as less the "golden child" birthed through a revolution than the "black sheep" rebellious son who is still making trouble. That said, let me tell you that unsolicited kind words are a loving surprise. Thank you. You, drunk and overly poetic; me, sober, off-topic, and saying too much. Hmmm. L.French

[@jonathankipp4973]

The works of Wm. Shakespeare are alive and well in Wisconsin "across the pond" from The Globe Theatre. Here's my unapologetic plug for American Players Theatre : americanplayers.org/ A few years back I went to see "The Taming of the Shrew" at APT in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Before the play while dining picnic style I conversed with a couple who spoke about how they first met while at a medieval history fair (she was attracted to him by the chain male he was wearing). I enjoy Shakespeare plays because they get so much to the heart of human nature, those inner desires and struggles that motivates people's outward actions and interactions. As humans we can riot over Shakespeare and all so many varied things. As a human race I hope that be it through Shakespeare or otherwise we can find some shared understanding of our shared desires and struggles and then through that build true and lasting peace. By the way, the strongest thing I drink anymore is either Root Beer or Ginger Ale. So if I'm happening to come across as over dramatic, poetic or otherwise I can only blame and apologize for myself.

[@ravebiscuits8721]

@@jonathankipp4973 absolutely, hear hear and good on you! I think people over-egg the posh artsiness of Shakespeare by a long way, he was a man writing for the common people, a person who exists across the globe. You try and find anyone in the world who doesn't love some well-exicuted romance, humour, and tragedy! Except maybe the twatty social elite, although they foolishly think Shakespeare to be a posh twat too! I'm very glad to hear of anyone enjoying it, but particularly in the US where in my opinion they really don't enjoy the European part of their history as much as they deserve to. And I must say that, as equal children of medieval Britain, that I'm glad to see they continue both of our ancestors' love of the "English" language (a top-notch conglomaration of a language if I do say so myself, I mean french, Latin, Germanic and Norse (plus a bit of Celtic ) has got to be good for finding the words to express yourself) even using the words coined by Shakespeare himself. Even if they do spell some of them totally wrong thanks to well-meaning revisionists ;p But seriously, it makes me very happy to see anyone at all enjoying something I feel such love for, especially with a group who has such a kinship with my culture. So good on you for keeping our history alive! And good on the US for using it's current global power for spreading this history! Because, I'm sad to say it but, the British empire isn't doing as good of a job of exporting the positives of our collective culture as it used to :p

[@RalphReagan]

And you said this with a straight face!

[@erictaylor5462]

It was the Summer of our discontent.

[@hilbertsinn6886]

...made glorious winter by this son of New York?

[@erictaylor5462]

Don't know. Wasn't there.

[@poppasmurf4115]

great novel

[@clivedunning4317]

Or as the outdoor sports shop announced, on posters in it's windows . . ."now is the summer of our discount tents" . . .!

[@C.O._Jones]

Wow! The more things change, the more they stay the same. Thank you for another superb episode, HG!

[@sirmeowthelibrarycat]

C.O. Jones 😳 Indeed! But the French said it first . . . !

[@82726jsjsufhejsjshshdjso]

I've said it before but it bears repeating. This is fine work, well executed and charmingly presented. Another snippet of history I'd never heard of. Your continued success is deserved. Congratulations. Pete

[@michaelweeks9317]

I have been a student of the Mongols for some 20 years. I lack your flair sir. I am convinced however that even the most basic research of Timugen and his sons will hold your fancy for a lifetime as it has mine. Beware once you immerse yourself therein we shall share a common mistress from whom there is no escape. I am so very proud of you and the bright torch of history you have shared with the many. Bravo young sir keep it up!

[@BlueBaron3339]

The most interesting part, for me, was at the end: the beginning of the end of Shakespeare in popular culture. Shakespeare began as popular culture, after all, relied on colloquial words and phrases of the day, and was never meant to be consigned to "the upper tens." It's a pity.

[@greggi47]

Opera met with a similar fate. I suppose the cost of production meant that ticket became too expensive for many working people, then something happened to transform a popular entertainment into something else. I have been impressed and entertained by the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD performances over the past ten years. Live productions streamed to movie theaters mean that more of us can participate in some wonderful art for the price of a movie ticket and popcorn.

[@BlueBaron3339]

@@greggi47 In this country, yes, but opera remains popular music in other countries and many European cities support symphony orchestras with an ease we don't see here. When your cab driver in Rome has opera on the radio you know you're in a different world. 😉 But I'll bet you grew up with opera. You may even have had a music program in primary school, or seen Shakespeare performed at an early age. It's normal to you, as Homer would have been normal to generations in the distant past in another region of the world, and so on.

[@kenthawley5990]

I agree. Somehow Shakespeare became snobbish and for the "learned." Shakespeare never meant for it to be that way at all.

[@greggi47]

@@BlueBaron3339 No, no early exposure to opera--or live theater of any kind, though I started seeing live television dramas on tv when I was 10 or so yearsold. And opera didn't click with me until the Met's Live in HD telecasts came along so I could learn to integrate all the aspects of the spectacle for myself. Now I make short trips yearly to see live production in St. Louis and Des Moines from my base in Columbia MO.

[@georgepaulfarris1465]

History Guy, A sad but fantastic history of mid-19th century America, what mores and manners of the period were, and how serious they took their Shakespeare. Thank you.

[@shadowjack8]

Miners performing impromptu performances of Shakespeare from memory? I barely remember reading Macbeth.

[@Navalator]

These episodes are consistently excellent and tremendously educational.

[@catjudo1]

8:20 Did anyone else notice that the actor's pose in this rendering is taken directly from the Hellenistic sculpture called the Dying Gaul? Cool how the classics (in this case classical antiquity) still have meaning so many centuries later. Humanity is capable of both the most inspiring and most depraved of actions...

[@maicrowsoft8867]

Fandom drama was no joke back then! People actually took their rage out onto the streets, as opposed to Twitter.

[@jbrobertson216]

Another Great Episode. Thank you!

[@stoneyll]

I remember The Bowery Boys... Louie, Muggs, and Satch..(as seen on TV, weekend re-runs)

[@gregmiller9710]

haha..me too! :)

[@Kennymac8251]

@@gregmiller9710 "Ahh Satchela my boy" LOL Fond memories

[@Tmrfe0962]

The best!

[@arturdent5168]

Nice, love those guys

[@Rtong98]

I think what you do brings you a lot of joy and that brings a lot of joy to people watching your content. Have a good one

[@ronaldruiter7899]

Joined your youtube channel a week ago.... I cant stop watching, love the range of history you cover. You my dear sir have a fan in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

[@loki111262]

O.K. I have to ask...How could someone dislike these video's ? You are doing an excellent job sir . Please continue with your fine work.

[@mikearcher9390]

No apostrophe in VIDEOS, it's plural not possessive!

[@IntrepidFraidyCat]

Soccer riots...Shakespeare riot...people are crazy no matter the century. Very interesting video! 👍❤️🤗 BUNGA! BUNGA!

[@thomas316]

Bunga Bunga?

[@IntrepidFraidyCat]

@@thomas316 It's from my favorite History Guy video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/fH6VoqGwp7GNfNk

[@deadfreightwest5956]

Ah, that time we went to a join a riot and a Shakespearean play broke out. Good times.

[@IntrepidFraidyCat]

@@deadfreightwest5956 😆😆😆👍

[@bigblue6917]

@@deadfreightwest5956 Always better then the other way round 👍😄😄😄

[@clark9992]

Very interesting. I had always thought the Bowery Boys were socially equivalent to the Five Points gangs, and am surprised to learn that they were middle class (I guess) blue collar employed and self employed. Digging further, they were all apparently volunteer firemen. That reminds me of another video in this series: The Toronto Circus Riot of 1855. Toronto at the time was effectively controlled by a clique of Orangemen volunteer firefighters, much like Tammany Hall corruption in New York. They were the instigators of that riot too. An interesting parallel. I believe volunteer firemen have usually behaved slightly better of recent years.

[@drewgehringer7813]

Toronto was under Orangemen control until the 1950s, really

[@shanemize3775]

Once again, you have surprised this life-long student of history with another important episode that I have never heard of! Extremely well done, as always, my friend. Thank you for all that you do to share the powerful glimpses of history that have shaped our world. Please keep the awesome videos coming and God bless you and your family!

[@robertfranson1378]

Dear History Guy: Dear Sir: I really enjoy your short snippets of history. I am a U.S. history buff but my true interest in “The Old West” from 1866 to 1888. I must say I truly enjoy all the world history and these many little known or unknow parts of history that are truly interesting, that altered governments histories or world histories. You give me many hours of knowledge and enjoyment. I love the way you present each episode and your enthusiasm for every historical story. These types of stories and the way you present them sure would of made me more interested in World History back when I was a kid, I am 63 years old now. If I can in the future, I will donate to you but being on Social Security Disability I don’t have much at the end of the month if any. I hope kids today watch you History Guy channel to help them in school and get off all these electronic games. Keep up the good (Great) work you are doing for the American Public and worldwide. I’ve learned so much and love all the episodes always giving a “thumbs up.” Take care. Bob Franson (loyal follower).

[@kennylex]

It was better before, so many say; I do not agree. But it always fun to listen and hopefully learn from history.

[@exJacktar]

Makes the Toronto Clown/Fireman's riot seem a rather dull affair. Thanks for another outstanding video.

[@JohnLeePedimore]

The Shakespearean actors going West and bringing culture and art to the frontier has been portrayed many times in classic Western movies and TV shows.

[@hughmckendrick3018]

Another great feature, keep them coming! Cheers.

[@kendavis8046]

Nice analysis and discussion. Thank you, as always. Thumbs up, naturally.

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

Every time I watch an episode, I think, "Wow! This will be hard to top!" And, of course, the next one does exactly that.

[@spacecat6022]

I really like how you adress so many different subjects.

[@terrygrossmann2295]

I have heard of this riot on TV. However you covered more in less time than the program did.

[@JeremiahsFiles]

Where on TV have you heard about this riot? I first heard about it on Wikipedia, someone should make a movie about Macready’s first night at the Astor Place & the riots on the second night.

[@catherinejeffries7999]

Great video as always . More Mrs. History Guy please. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Peace , be free .

[@glenmartin2437]

Crazy times. Thank you.

[@christinejesson-valore6439]

I adore history and I happened upon your historical shorts. What a joy to watch! I still have so very much to learn. Thank you for your dedication and research. I look forward to seeing more in the very near future>

[@gls600]

I always enjoy your vids. Thank you!

[@randypowell3180]

I had thought myself well versed in history. You are teaching me that I have so much more left to learn. I look forward to more videos, thank you.

[@ronlovitt165]

The best narrative line in this video--"they smoked, drank and cavorted with prostitutes."

[@dukecraig2402]

@Docholland45 Las Vegas

[@bentnickel7487]

Duke Craig St. Louis, Peoria, New Orleans, well hell, just about everywhere I've been !! Or ever wanted to visit !!

[@bcubed72]

...we need to bring theater back to its roots!

[@catjudo1]

All history is more interesting when prostitutes are involved, though when they're dead they're just hookers.

[@dukecraig2402]

@@bentnickel7487 Yea but in Vegas it's considered part of the tourist industry and not part of Americans court industrial complex.

[@raykaelin]

History Guy ... Very Well Done...!!

[@dinascharnhorst6590]

And I was just thinking, "It's about time for another episode of the History Guy!" Thank you for another fascinating lesson.

[@pieterg462]

I love this channel! Thank you very much!

[@flounder31]

Fascinating. Great video, as per usual.

[@johnkelley9877]

Another great tutorial! Thanks for sharing this.

[@johnsekulic6370]

I'm here looking for today's lesson. Thanks to you and your wife.

[@Kennymac8251]

A good teacher makes the subject interesting and imparts information that makes learning enjoyable. A great teacher teaches in a way that gives you enough information to make the subject interesting yet inspires you to find out much more because your appetite has been whetted and you are impatient to find out more. The History Guy: A great teacher

[@ST8URCASE]

i really enjoy watching you riot based history videos.

[@UsherLinder]

Fascinating! Thank you!

[@champagne.future5248]

This is a brilliantly done episode

[@charlie418791]

I always learn something new from you. Thanks and keep up the great work.👍

[@sameyers2670]

Thank you History Guy I enjoy your videos and learn a lot from them.

[@carlstenger5893]

Wow! What a story. Thank you.

[@ravex24]

History Guy, I have an idea. It's a bit obscure for most but I believe it's history that should be remembered. How about the Roseburg, Oregon blast of 1959? I don't know if you could work with that but it was an idea to share. Interesting details and little side stories.

[@Rocketninja200]

Well I WAS going to fix my wife's car. :P Down the rabbit hole I go.

[@TedBronson1918]

HG - What you said at the end of this video about miner's doing impromptu Shakespeare from memory made me think of Mark Twain. He included a couple of "scallywag" characters in Huckleberry Finn that ran a scam like that. He also mentioned people doing Shakespeare out west in California in his book Roughing It, I think. Anyway, your comment brought to mind the things he wrote. I enjoyed this video ! PS - recommendation .... Speaking of Roughing It and Mark Twain, maybe you could do a video about Mark Twain's young years. When he went west I think he was the cause of the first recorded forest fire at Lake Tahoe (then called Lake Bigler).

[@martiniv8924]

Amazing ! Learning something new every time I watch THG!

[@sirmeowthelibrarycat]

😺 Many congratulations on your award! Thoroughly deserved with regard to the quality of your research and excellent presentation. History never fails to intrigue and fascinate me as more astonishing stories are brought to life. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@furyofbongos]

Superb, as always, thanks!

[@MarkTheMorose]

This many mentions of The Scottish Play cannot but bring bad luck. See Blackadder The Third, episode 4, 'Sense and Senility'.

[@raymondkoonce5827]

While not a historian, I thought I was fairly well versed in the subject, having loved history all my life. This video showed my ignorance. I never heard of these events. Thank you for your presentation. Even an old man can still learn.

[@richard169]

I was just reading about the Astor Place Riots in A.M. Nagler's "Sources in Theater History"!

[@carygrant8796]

Congratulations on the You Tube Silver Award. Bravo!

[@ronh2660]

I enjoy your videos, great presentation!

[@robertphillips6296]

Thank you. This reminds me of what happened at Kent State, but for different reasons.

[@mikearcher9390]

plenty of comments here wishing the troops would outright MURDER people for throwing a ROCK! What a bunch of SICKOS!

[@davidlogansr8007]

Dear Beloved History Guy; when I heard your assertion that people don't generally know the History of roughly 1820 thru 1860, I was "fixing to take umbrage" as I have long studied the early era of steam propulsion from the steamer New Orleans of about 1815 thru the Tom Thumb of 1830, also the era of the Missouri compromise, etc. But continuing to hang on your every word as I am want to do, I followed and agreed, that in general people don't understand emotions and attitudes of history, and as you might well have said, and that is sad! Thank You Again for another well unfurled tale of history! By the way, the race between the Tom Thumb and the horse drawn rail car might make a good narrative!

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

David LoganSr certainly many people study the era, and I did not mean to imply otherwise. But it gets short-shrift in public and higher education.

[@davidlogansr8007]

The History Guy: History Deserves to Be Remembered , sorry, wasn't implying you had! I apologize to You for the mixed messaging! You kind Sir, provide aGreat and much needed service to all who hear your usually calm but occasionally emphatic descriptions of lesser known things! I think you are absolutely Terrific! Best Regards to you and Yours for the upcoming holidays and always!

[@johnellington7057]

The more one listens to history the more one sees our divisive times are not so unique!

[@donc9751]

History Guy, I love your videos and have never seen one that I didn't enjoy or learn something from! If you were performing on stage I think you wouldnt have to worry about rotten tomatoes! Having seen movies as a kid where they showed these types of things occurring at the theater, it has always boggled my mind that 1...people would actually go to that length..and 2..they were not arrested so that 3 it seems to have become the norm, or latest fashion in theater going. As if to guarantee the people that went that they would see a great spectacle one way or another! Hard to believe when we hear how prim and proper people tended to be back then. Thanks again Mr. H!

[@joyville]

What a crazy story- When I read the title I thought it was not going to be quite as advertised. But it was!

[@jamesparker4471]

I wonder what you would say about our times in fifty or a hundred years. Really enjoy your show .

[@Katherine_The_Okay]

The Kirk Vs Picard Wars were especially brutal. Flames were known to be the weapon of choice and, using our primitive genetic engineering, we created and deployed trolls. It was a tragic time...

[@peterk8909]

Kat K Someone has a very nice of humor.

[@Katherine_The_Okay]

@@peterk8909 lol, nah. I'm just a massive dork ;)

[@peterk8909]

Kat K Well, I guess I'm dork too, then. Really appreciated your comment.

[@Katherine_The_Okay]

@@peterk8909 "My mama always said, dorky is as dorky does..." See, I'm in a good position to provide unbiased commentary on the Kirk/Picard Wars of the late 80s and early 90s. I was a guerilla in the rebel Sisko faction. And, may the gods be thanked, I was too old to take an active part in the much uglier combat that came with the dawning of the Janeway and Archer eras...

[@JeremiahsFiles]

I just heard a podcast about Ned Buntline, one of the instigators of the Astor Place Riot. His posters depicting the British sailing to New York City was what really outraged the crowd.

[@Primarch359]

Another great Antebellum topic that i would love to see you do is on Kit Carson. Specifically his failure to save Anne White from the Jichara Apaches and finding among her things a "blood and thunder" novel in which a fictional depiction of him saves a woman from savages. An iliterate man being confronted by the myths of his exploits that were being sold as entertainment back east.

[@billpostscratcher2025]

Lanced another one, sir! Great stuff.

[@mikearcher9390]

like lancing a boil?

[@michaelshaw4199]

Dude, you are the best at making history come alive.

[@colinp2238]

Appreciating Shakespeare is a sign of maturity.

[@mikearcher9390]

you should read it in the original Klingon!

[@rbouncier669]

Wow, the dumbing down of the US occurred much earlier than I thought. I have been watching your channel for some time now, you are outstanding sir.

[@dakotanelson5722]

I always enjoy your videos. 👍

[@DeconvertedMan]

Love learning with you. :)

[@Cj-gd1db]

If you watch these videos you really should give them a like. Almost 6 thousand views and less than 1000 likes. He puts way to much work into these vids to do him like that.

[@Cj-gd1db]

gym shoe hes got quality editing great content and videos. Making videos this well isn’t easy.

[@Milkmans_Son]

I agree the more the better, but... a 6 to 1 views to likes ratio is fantastic and his likes to dislikes ratio is phenomenal. These things help, but hits/views are all that really matters.

[@Milkmans_Son]

@@aliceshaw8265 not that tough, says the hump with no content. I suppose it's not that tough to hit a curve ball, either. Durrrr, just swing the bat at the right time, durrrrrrr.

[@danielgabalski2312]

Milk Manson damn funny

[@reezdog]

Now I want to watch Gangs of New York.

[@jorge6207]

Outstanding content, as ever. I would like to suggest Peter Francisco's story, the 'Virginia Giant' of the American revolution.

[@christopherconard2831]

I here of a riot between Shakespeare fans, and I have a vision of a PBS fundraiser getting out of control.

[@greggi47]

Yes, the Lawrence Welk fans throwing mugs at the advocates for Rock and Roll Nostalgia--with poor Denny Terio getting it from both sides!

[@kimberlylholt]

Lol

[@meee7771]

so, did people carry garbage into the theater to throw in case they didnt like the show?

[@bigblue6917]

What about all those who turned up carrying garbage then had to take it home again because it was not as bad as they thought it would be.

[@davidharris6581]

Thank you for asking a question I have always had! What if they like the play do they take the rotten produce back home?

[@juliocamacho8354]

People that carry garbage into the theater are not there to judge a play... The play can be good, but they had a mind set before leaving to the theater.

[@em1osmurf]

yes.

[@UpcycleElectronics]

I bet there were people present selling both roses and rotten veggies. Heck, I bet they made quite the profit from a bad performance. I doubt most people packed for either outcome. It seems much more likely to be the result of an impulse purchase to declare their opinion. The only thing most people carry to a theater in any time would be spare change. It's up to you to determine what the throwing of quarters means. -Jake

[@CrazyBear65]

People back then had the balls to stand up for themselves and fight against bully government. We need that kind of spirit today. Sadly, each generation seems to get a little more pussified and complacent, ignorant and apathetic.

[@showmetimefelix7500]

A little known history is the Pony Express leg of the journey from Arizona to California and the dangers along the way. My ancestor from my family story tells if a past grandfather of ours who rode for pony Express and stopped at a Station to change horses and rest for a time, he was ambushed by a desporado in the bunk house who had killed everyone at the Station and in the bunk room with an axe. My ancestor saw the black stain growing on the man laying next to him in the dark room and realized he was dead, so he waited with pistol in hand for the murderer to enter the bunk room. When the killer entered with the axe to murder one more, my ancestor squeezed the trigger and ended the murders spree. This would make a good addition if you can find the Arizona newspaper that published the story.

[@hungrysoles]

I really enjoy your programs on forgotten historic events. I've always been fascinated by history. As David McCullough once said, "History are stories that happen to be true." Why don't you do a program on the 1924 Democratic Convention, which lasted weeks and took 104 ballots to nominate John W. Davis who lost to Calvin Coolidge. It definitely showed the terrible split of the nation over Prohibition and those who were against it,as well as the immigrants and the Klu Klux Klan. Keep up the good work. Sincerely, Tom Josephi

[@hyfy-tr2jy]

another great video! Could you please do an episode on the Great Connecticut Flood of 1955? This was one of the most damaging floods in New England and particularly devastated Connecticut. Would love to hear your spin on it!

[@dozer1642]

Onions and whisky. My favorite smells.

[@groermaik]

Boy. Sure sounds like history may be repeating itself.

[@hipocampelofantocame]

Always remember, that "A thing of beauty is a bore forever." B. Mayo 1952

[@5koverlibor]

Great episode

[@stoneyll]

The 'upper 10' are today's 1%..

[@johnsekulic6370]

I hope I am. I look forward to every lesson.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Stoney Curtis I agree that the two terms have similar political implications.

[@terryhollands2794]

The big difference between the 1800s and now, is hope Back then America was a rapidly growing both economical and in land area. The rich could make money hand over fist with resources and opportunities left over for the working class. Not now.

[@terryhollands2794]

@@aliceshaw8265 You are correct there have always been rich and life isn't fair, that's why in response there have been social unrest and revelations.

[@onetwothree4148]

Except social unrest in modern America is posting angry comments on Facebook. The rich got richer and the poor got so rich that none of the things they complain about not having access to even existed in the 1850s.

[@JackdeDuCoeur]

Very illuminating, especially that the U.S. population exploded at such a rate in the first half of the 19th century. Very good, as usual!

[@actionman9357]

The History Guy: Thank you!

[@Argos-xb8ek]

Gangs of New York really prepped me for this segment

[@jimlaguardia8185]

Never heard of this incident before!

[@PerspectiveEngineer]

I wish I would have been this excited about History class when the bell rang in High School. Never to late I guess? Thanks History Guy! Just don't test me my memory is full and an error code is eminent...

[@awesomedue1990]

You are like the Bill Nye of History! Keep it going! GO NAVY

[@SlyPearTree]

I remember hearing or reading that Shakespeare's play were originally played before audiences as rowdy as the ones described here.

[@Smokecall]

Fandoms back in the day were crazy.

[@mariakelly5]

And I thought the people who hate Star Trek Discovery were rowdy!

[@shadowraith1]

Trying times indeed. We have had ,and still are having very trying times. Never seems to stop.