What's the main difference between "riot" and "uprising"? Are they interchangeable?

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

No, they are not interchangeable! I would say that an "uprising" can lead to "riots". An "uprising" is usually triggered by something big, like a human rights cause or simply as an act of rebellion. It's more of a "big picture" idea. Whereas, "riots" refer to violent and public disturbances. Such as destroying property or going against authority. They can happen during an "uprising" - a fight for a cause. Or they can happen at different times for different reasons. Ex: On June 16th, 1976, the Soweto uprising began in South Africa due to the children being forced to learn in a language that was not their own. Ex: Did you see the riots on the news? People were setting buildings on fire.

How do native speakers use this expression?

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