r/AskHistorians

In New Orleans in 1834, the horrendous crimes of Delphine LaLaurie against her slaves were exposed. In response, an angry mob of thousands came to her house. What motivated them to do this?

Reading about this case is very fascinating to me. I’m wondering if anyone who is familiar with the politics of the American South, particularly New Orleans, could give me some insight as to why her crimes drew such outrage when the institution of slavery itself didn’t draw that…