What happened in the protests at the DNC in Chicago in 1968?

As the Democratic National Convention (DNC) of 2024 approaches, memories of the tumultuous 1968 DNC in Chicago loom large. The 1968 convention was marked by intense protests and violence, reflecting the deep societal divisions of the time.

Amidst a similar situation in 2024, namely US involvement in wars and political unrest, 1968 remains the most crucial year for protest in living memory.

The historical context

The year 1968 was a period of profound upheaval in the United States, characterised by widespread opposition to the Vietnam War, civil rights struggles, and political assassinations. The nation was reeling from the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, and President Lyndon B. Johnson had announced he would not seek re-election.

Amidst this backdrop, the Democratic Party was divided, with many young activists disillusioned by traditional politics and seeking more radical change.

The protests at the 1968 DNC

The Democratic National Convention in Chicago became a focal point for anti-war protests. Activists from various groups, including the Youth International Party (Yippies) and Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), converged on the city to voice their opposition to the Vietnam War and the political status quo.

The protests were marked by confrontations between demonstrators and the police, who were given broad authority to maintain order. This resulted in violent clashes, with police using batons and tear gas against protesters, actions that were broadcast live on television, shocking the nation, while journalists were also attacked by police. The phrase “the whole world is watching” became emblematic of the protests.

The aftermath of the 1968 DNC protests had lasting implications. The Walker Report, commissioned to investigate the events, described the police actions as a “police riot,” criticising the excessive use of force.