Journey Through Time 16. Carnage in New York: Killing Over Shakespeare (Ep 1)
Jun 25, 2025
A heated rivalry over Shakespeare ignites a violent clash in 1849 New York, marking the deadliest civilian riot since the Revolutionary War. Tensions escalate due to class struggles, immigration, and anti-British sentiment. The podcast dives into the fierce competition between actors Edwin Forrest and William McCready, revealing how their personal conflicts mirror broader societal divides. It also explores the role of theater as a battleground for social issues, along with the untold contributions of women during wartime.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Tensions in 1849 New York
- 1849 New York was tense due to immigration, nativism, and class disparity.
- Anti-Catholic and anti-British sentiments fueled social unrest.
Lingering Anglo-American Hostility
- British-American relations remained hostile decades after the Revolution and War of 1812.
- Many Americans believed Britain planned to reconquer the US by force or subversion.
Nativism and Scientific Racism
- Scientific racism targeted not just skin color but ethnic groups like the Irish.
- Nativism was rooted in claiming native-born superiority over immigrants.
