31. The Sharecroppers Formed Self-Defense Groups To Protect Themselves
Keep in mind that many of the union members were World War I veterans who had recently returned home from the war. With a white man dead, the African Americans knew that there would soon be harsh reprisals. They formed self-defense groups to protect themselves and their families.
But as the violence unfolded over the next few days, any self-protective measures were seen as evidence that there really was a black insurrection unfolding. Instead of providing protection, the veterans’ presence further incited the hatred and violence that consumed the county.
