1918 Anti-Greek Riots
1918 ANTI-GREEK RIOTS
In August 1918, over 50,000 people participated in riots that injured
hundreds and caused significant property damage. Many of the
rioters were war veterans, already frustrated with government treatment,
angered by Greece's neutrality during the First World War, and
resentful of the large number of Greeks with highly visible jobs.
On August 2, a mob attacked Greek-owned White City Cafe
Near Yonge and College Streets in response to rumours that a veteran
had be roughly treated there. The mob swelled to thousands
and looted Greek businesses as far west as Queen street and
Roncesvalles Avenue. Toronto police and Exhibition Camp soldiers
were called to end the riot, but stood by as the violence unfolded.
Criticized for their inaction, the police responded with excessive
force the next night, beating demonstrators with whips and batons.
The presence of additional troops, and threats to penalize public
gatherings, kept tensions high in the following days. The underlying
conflicts remained unresolved beyond the end of the war, but the
intense violence of August 2 and 3 was not repeated.
Submitted by Sean_YYZ