original_query: What were the reasons for the Battle of Athens in 1946?
query: What were the reasons for the Battle of Athens in 1946?
answer: The Battle of Athens was caused by widespread political corruption and voter fraud orchestrated by the E.H. Crump political machine in McMinn County, Tennessee.  Returning World War II veterans, facing predatory policing, police brutality, and intimidation, organized to challenge the corrupt officials in the 1946 election. When the officials attempted to steal the election, the veterans took up arms, leading to the battle.