Video: 'Watts Riots Los Angeles CA 1965 HD Historic Footage'

(Wednesday, August 11, 1965, 7:00 p.m. PDT) — The Watts riots, six days of looting and arson (especially of white-owned businesses) that took place in the predominantly black Watts section of Los Angeles, began tonight after a black motorist was arrested for drunk-driving.

Before it was over, 34 people were killed and property damage estimated over $40 million. The riots were blamed principally on unemployment, although a later investigation also highlighted police racism.

Video: 'The American Experience - Lyndon B Johnson' (Aug. 11-17, 1965, at 46:02)

Video: 'Watts riots Aftermath on ABC News 1966' (broadcast Jan. 22, 1966, at 7:00 p.m. EST)