Waco Crisis

Historical Context Note

Lucas Paul Richert (University of Saskatchewan)
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On 28 February, four federal agents were killed during an unsuccessful raid on the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas. This sparked a 51-day siege of the compound. On 19 April, the siege ended when the compound burned down, leaving more than 70 cult members dead. On 26 February 1994, 11 Davidians were acquitted of charges in the deaths of the federal agents. David Koresh (real name Vernon Howell), the leader of the group, took his name from King David and Koresh, an ancient Persian king. David Koresh believed in the imminence of the endtime revelation of Christ. David Koresh also believed that it was right to marry numerous ‘spiritual’ wives, many of whom were young teenagers. This drew unwanted attention on the Branch Davidians and subsequently led to extensive investigations…

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Citation: Richert, Lucas Paul. "Waco Crisis". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 01 November 2008 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=5737, accessed 29 March 2024.]

5737 Waco Crisis 2 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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