The Rest Is History
353: Paris 1968: The Students' Revolt (Part 1)
Jul 24, 2023
In May 1968, Paris erupted in civil unrest led by passionate students wielding cobblestones. The vibrant atmosphere of the Sorbonne reflects a transformative era in youth culture, amidst philosophical influences like existentialism. Tensions escalated between students seeking radical change and workers focused on practical improvements. Notable figures like 'Danny the Red' emerged, while the protests became a struggle against societal norms and authority. The legacy of these events continues to resonate today, reshaping political activism.
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Quick takeaways
- The 1968 protests in France began with student-led demonstrations against class discrimination and bureaucratic university systems, which spread to involve the French working class demanding better conditions, higher wages, and more rights.
- The 1968 protests in France marked a turning point in French society and had a lasting impact on French politics and society, highlighting issues of authority, generational conflict, and demands for greater rights and freedom.
Deep dives
The Protests Begin: Students and the Events at Nantair
In May 1968, protests began at Nantair, a university campus on the outskirts of Paris. Students occupied administrative buildings and held meetings to address class discrimination and the bureaucracy of the university. The administration overreacted and suspended the student leaders, which led to more protests. The rector of the Sorbonne, the famous university in Paris, shut down Nantair, but this only escalated the demonstrations, with protesters now occupying the Sorbonne itself. The police response was heavy-handed, with arrests and beatings, which further fueled the protests.
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