Explores the 1919 race riot in Chicago prompted by a single act of violence against a young black man. Driven by white European immigrants and black migrants from the South, the two races were pitted against each other for jobs and living space, which created a breeding ground for racial hatred. Includes black-and-white photographs and examples of propaganda materials.

Part 1. The catalyst. The beach ; A time to reap -- Part 2. First whispers. Freedom fight ; Self reliance ; White Negroes ; Waste matters ; Parallel universes ; A stone's throw -- Part 3. Up from the south. A higher call ; The northern fever ; A real place for Negroes ; A job, any job ; Full to bursting ; Respectability and respect -- Part 4. Reaping the whirlwind. Tensions rising ; Last straws ; Race riot ; Ratcheting up ; Point counterpoint ; Moment of truth.