Skip to main content

What really happened during the Attica Prison Rebellion - Orisanmi Burton

268,823 Views

155 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

On September 9th 1971, a spontaneous uprising began in a New York State prison. A group of prisoners overpowered guards, broke windows, started fires, and captured supplies, sparking the Attica Rebellion. Soon, over 1,200 prisoners had assembled with 42 hostages to demand better treatment and better living conditions. Orisanmi Burton details the revolt and deadly retaking of Attica prison.

Discuss the role of violence in the Attica rebellion/massacre? Was the prisoners’ use of violence justified or ill-conceived? What about the state’s use of violence in retaking the prison?

Sign in to answer question

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Orisanmi Burton
  • Director Tomás Pichardo-Espaillat
  • Narrator Christina Greer
  • Animator Tomás Pichardo-Espaillat
  • Sound Designer Cem Misirlioglu, Greg Chudzik
  • Music Greg Chudzik, Cem Misirlioglu
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Associate Editorial Producer Cella Wright
  • Production Coordinator Abdallah Ewis
  • Script Producer Iseult Gillespie
  • Fact-Checker Jennifer Nam

More from Things They Don't Teach in School But Should