For background information, distribute the Introduction to the Kerner Commission Report. Students should read it individually. Next, distribute the charts on the Cincinnati Rebellion Chart and the Detroit Rebellion Chart. Working in pairs, students should analyze each chart and be able to answer the following questions for Cincinnati (typifying a serious but minor rebellion) and Detroit (typifying a major rebellion).

• Looking at the graphs, what are their distinctive features? What do you notice about each of them?
• What sort of violent activity occurred in Cincinnati? In Detroit?
• What were the official responses to the rebellions in Cincinnati and Detroit? What attempts were made to end the violence in each city?

As a full class, lead a discussion to compare and contrast the two case studies. Consider the following questions:

• What was similar in the rebellions in Cincinnati and Detroit?
• What was different between the two rebellions?
• How might you explain these similarities and differences?
• Was one rebellion more major than the other? How do you judge that?
• What do you think is the most effective government response to urban unrest?