A Tumultuous Event In American History

The 1968 Chicago Democratic National Convention: Protests and Riots

A Tumultuous Event in American History

The 1968 Democratic National Convention, held in Chicago, Illinois, from August 26-29, 1968, is remembered as a pivotal moment in American history. The convention was marked by violent protests, party upheaval, and a deep divide within the United States over the Vietnam War.

Background: Vietnam War and Counterculture

The Vietnam War had been escalating for several years, and anti-war sentiment was growing in the United States. The counterculture movement, with its emphasis on peace and social change, gained momentum. Many young people felt disillusioned with the establishment and the war, leading to protests and demonstrations.

Prelude to the Convention

The Democratic Party was divided over the war. Some supported President Lyndon B. Johnson's policies, while others opposed the war. As the convention approached, anti-war activists planned demonstrations and protests in Chicago.

The Convention and Protests

The convention began with Hubert Humphrey, Johnson's Vice President, as the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination. However, protests outside the convention hall quickly turned violent. Police clashed with protesters, using tear gas and billy clubs. The violent clashes were broadcast on national television, shocking the nation.

Consequences of the Convention

The violence and chaos at the convention damaged the reputation of the Democratic Party and the United States government. The protests contributed to the growing anti-establishment sentiment and the rise of the counterculture movement. The Democratic Party was deeply divided, and Humphrey eventually lost the presidential election to Republican Richard Nixon.

Legacy of the Convention

The 1968 Democratic National Convention remains a significant event in American history. It highlighted the deep divisions over the Vietnam War, the power of protest movements, and the challenges faced by the United States during a time of social and political unrest.

Sources:

* "The 1968 Democratic National Convention." Encyclopedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/event/1968-Democratic-National-Convention. * "The 1968 Democratic Convention: Civil Disorder and Political Turmoil." PBS, https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/convention-1968-civil-disorder-political-turmoil/. * "The 1968 Democratic National Convention and the Outbreak of Mass Protest in Chicago." The Journal of American History, https://www.jstor.org/stable/2560189.