Civil War | The Fires at Home | 4
American History Tellers
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The Hunger Crisis in Richmond, Virginia
Drought in 1862 caused crippling food shortages leading to rampant inflation. By the war's end, prices would rise 9,000%, putting what little food was available out of reach for all but the wealthiest citizens. Richmond residents felt that Jefferson Davis was oblivious to their struggles and sacrifices. Simmering tensions were ready to boil over. Soon, hungry and desperate women across the city reached a breaking point; they resolved to take action.
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