On May 10, 1849, troops opened fire on a rioting crowd in New York City, killing 22 and injuring 56. What was the unusual reason why the crowd rioted?
Answer: The crowd had gathered outside the Astor Place Opera House to condemn visiting British actor Charles Macready, who had openly scorned the vulgarity of American and American life.
Source: On This Day – The History of the World in 366 Days by Hamlyn




