1917 Potato riots
The Potato riots in 1917 was a popular uprising in the Dutch capital city Amsterdam that was caused to the food shortage in the Netherlands during World War I.
History
In the beginning of the 20th century, there was more food within the reach of the workers. The First World War changed this. The Netherlands was a neutral country at war, but experienced discomfort or circumstances. Imports and exports of goods stagnated. Bread and other food was rationed and there were soup kitchens. In January 1917 was established a bread ration. On June 28, 1917 when there was no potato to get more was known in the popular neighborhoods of Amsterdam, that there was a ship with potatoes in the Prinsengracht, for the army. The working women of the Eastern Islands and the Czar Peter Neighborhood plundered the ship, in order to feed their families. Incidentally, there was had no absolute shortage of food, according to the Councillor Josephus Jitta the workers have an extra supply of rice provided.
Blood rebellion
In the first week of July of that year, the unrest grows on the workers themselves also saw action. Warehouses and shops were looted. The police were powerless and the army acted. The revolt culminated in a battle on July 5, 1917, in which soldiers opened fire on a crowd that had gathered at the Haarlemmerplein. The revolt was beaten. There were nine deads and 114 people wounded.
Post 1917 food shortages
The food situation deteriorated further in the last war year 1918. Many people lived on the brink of starvation and unemployment rose. The Spanish flu epidemic hit and killed thousands people weakened as they were by starvation. The armistice on November 11, 1918 came just in time for the Netherlands. A new winter was prevented by hunger and cold for the workers, as well as an impending revolution.
