The 30-Year Journey of Chicago's Lager Beer Riot

Class Description

In April 1855, Chicago’s city government clashed with immigrant communities over their right to drink beer. We often think of the Lager Beer Riot as a local event, occurring on a single day. In fact, the riot reverberated in every conceivable direction: emulating past beer riots in the lands that became Germany, subverting statewide prohibition, and looming over decades of Chicago’s saloon regulation. This seminar embarks on a winding road to, through, and beyond the riot to see how a downtown brawl shaped over a quarter century of Midwestern history.

All virtual classes are recorded and made available to participants registered in the class. These recordings are password-protected and available for up to two weeks after the class ends.

Dr. Brian Alberts is a historian specializing in German immigration and American brewing during the nineteenth century. Through writing, podcasting, teaching, public events, and more, he explores cultural history through the lens of beer.

What to Expect

Format: Virtual 

Class Capacity: 30 

Class Style: Mix of lecture and discussion; participation encouraged 

Materials List

Required

• Instructor-Distributed Materials

A Brief Syllabus

1. Introduction to Chicago’s Early Brewing History
2. Immigration and Ethnic Tension
3. Lager Beer Riot
4. The Aftermath of the Riot

Cost and Registration

4 Sessions, $175 ($157.50 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.

We offer our classes at three different price options: Regular ($175), Community Supported ($160), and Sponsor ($185). Following the models of other institutions, we want to ensure that our classes are accessible to a wider audience while continuing to support our instructors. You may choose the price that best fits your situation when registering through Learning Stream.

To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.

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