Repeating History

Since the beginning of American society, there has been a cycle of revolt and violence. Times of stress, economic depression, or war seem to inevitably stir oppressed or downtrodden people to lash out against what they see as causes for their suffering. The "Tea Party" and "Occupy" movements are merely the most recent example of this trend, which extends all the way back to the Revolutionary War and the founding of the United States. Almost always, these violent outbursts are targeted at racial or political targets. The revolution against British rule is the most obvious example, but other examples include the New York City Draft Riots and the violence perpetrated against African-Americans throughout US history.

America is often seen as a land of promise; the "American Dream" offers a wonderful life and infinite success. However, for too many Americans, the Dream goes unfulfilled. This is what pushed the Irish immigrant population of New York to violence during the Civil War Draft Riots. The rioters lashed out at the rich, who were able to avoid the draft, and blacks, who the Irish saw as threats to their job security and safety. Between their poor lives and the threat of the draft, the immigrants felt utterly betrayed by the United States. That same sense of betrayal that drives today's political movements, in the US and abroad.