Flour Riot Of 1837: How Fake News Led To Chaos In New York

An uprising known as the Flour Riot of 1837 occurred when poor residents of the city became fearful that their wealthier neighbours were stockpiling large amounts of flour and grain in nearby warehouses. This was based entirely upon a rumour and the penny press — inexpensive, tabloid-style newspapers — further stoked the outrage of the masses and their fear that prices would rise.

The lesson to be learned from this is that people believe what they read — and will act upon it.

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