Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

1916 Shark Attack: Fear That Inspired 'Jaws'

6/24/2025

37 7

Summary

Story summary

In 1916, a terrifying shark attack off New Jersey's coast claimed four lives and injured one, igniting a wave of panic that led to beach closures and frantic shark hunts. Historian Rachel Lee Perez's book reveals how these tragic events influenced public fear, linking them to the cultural phenomenon of Spielberg's "Jaws" and reshaping our view of these majestic creatures forever.

1 of 1

Story summary

In 1916, a terrifying shark attack off New Jersey's coast claimed four lives and injured one, igniting a wave of panic that led to beach closures and frantic shark hunts. Historian Rachel Lee Perez's book reveals how these tragic events influenced public fear, linking them to the cultural phenomenon of Spielberg's "Jaws" and reshaping our view of these majestic creatures forever.