The true story of Hattie Carroll is a sad example of the racial hierarchy in the 1960s. Carroll, a hard - working barmaid, had the misfortune of crossing paths with Zantzinger. His act of hitting her with a cane was not only violent but also a sign of the deep - seated racism that allowed a wealthy white man to think he could get away with such an act. Her death was a great loss, and the case became well - known, especially after Dylan's song. It served as a reminder of the need for change in a society that was rife with discrimination against black people.
One of the main details is that this happened in the 1960s. Hattie Carroll was going about her normal work duties as a barmaid. William Zantzinger, in a fit of rage, assaulted her with a cane. Her death was a huge tragedy. And this event was a clear example of the racial inequality at that time. The fact that Zantzinger was from a wealthy family also added to the power dynamics of the situation, where a rich white man thought he could act with impunity against a black woman.