1968 Protests & Revolutions Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1968 Protests & Revolutions Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 21 Feb West Berlin anti-leftist demonstration: On February 21, 1968, a significant anti-leftist demonstration took place in West Berlin, reflecting the political tensions of the time. The protest was part of a broader reaction against leftist movements in West Germany during the late 1960s. source: britannica.com
- 15 Mar Uprising in South Yemen: A significant political uprising occurs in South Yemen, indicating regional political instability and potential geopolitical tensions.
- 24 May French May 1968 political crisis escalates: The political crisis in France intensified on May 24, 1968, as protests and strikes spread across the country. This period marked significant social upheaval, challenging the government and leading to widespread demonstrations. source: bbc.com
- 25 May French political unrest in May 1968: In May 1968, France experienced significant political unrest characterized by widespread protests and strikes. The unrest was driven by student activism and labor movements, leading to a crisis that challenged the government of President Charles de Gaulle. source: britannica.com
- 30 May Charles de Gaulle turns tide in May 1968 French crisis: On May 30, 1968, French President Charles de Gaulle addressed the nation, asserting his leadership during a period of civil unrest and student protests. His speech aimed to restore order and confidence in the government amid widespread strikes and demonstrations. source: bbc.com
- 09 Jun Tito addresses student revolt in Yugoslavia: On June 9, 1968, Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito appeared on state television and radio to address the student demonstrations at the University of Belgrade and other campuses. He acknowledged the legitimacy of the students' grievances and conceded that the federal government needed to investigate them, leading to the cessation of the protests. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 Jun Atlanta Federal Penitentiary inmate uprising: On June 11, 1968, inmates at the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary staged a significant uprising, protesting conditions and treatment. The event highlighted issues within the prison system and drew national attention to inmate rights. source: nytimes.com
- 12 Jun French government restricts demonstrations: On June 12, 1968, the French government imposed restrictions on public demonstrations amid widespread protests and civil unrest. This move was part of a broader effort to maintain order during a period of significant social upheaval in France. source: bbc.com
- 16 Jun French police clear Sorbonne during student protests: On June 16, 1968, French police evicted student protesters who had occupied the Sorbonne at the University of Paris. Hundreds of students assembled outside the historic building, and riot police used tear gas and concussion grenades to disperse them. The protesters peacefully filed out after being informed they would be searched for arms but not arrested. No firearms were found, but several hundred clubs, gas masks, and leftist pamphlets were collected. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 26 Sep Marcelo Caetano Becomes Portuguese Premier: Marcelo Caetano is elected as the Premier of Portugal, succeeding António de Oliveira Salazar and continuing the authoritarian Estado Novo regime, which would eventually end with the Carnation Revolution in 1974.
- 02 Oct Tlatelolco Massacre: Student Suppression in Mexico: On October 2, 1968, Mexican military and police forces opened fire on unarmed students and civilians protesting in Mexico City's Plaza de las Tres Culturas, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries. The government initially reported 32 deaths, but estimates suggest the actual toll was between 300 and 400. This event is considered a significant moment in Mexico's history, highlighting the government's repressive measures against political dissent. source: apnews.com
- 05 Oct Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association March in Derry: On October 5, 1968, the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association organized a march in Derry to protest discrimination against the Catholic community. The event marked a significant moment in the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland, leading to increased tensions and violence in the region. source: bbc.com
- 07 Oct Civil Rights Tensions in Northern Ireland: On October 7, 1968, tensions escalated in Northern Ireland as civil rights protests continued. The events of this period highlighted the growing unrest and the demand for equality among the Catholic population, leading to significant political changes. source: bbc.com
- 03 Nov Greek political unrest: Papandreou's funeral and mass demonstration: On November 3, 1968, the funeral of former Prime Minister Georgios Papandreou in Athens transformed into a massive anti-junta demonstration. Thousands defied military orders, following the casket to the cemetery, leading to the arrest of 41 individuals. This event marked a significant act of resistance against the military regime. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 09 Nov Loyalist march in Derry: On November 9, 1968, a Loyalist march took place in Derry, Northern Ireland, which was marked by significant tensions and protests. This event is often cited as a catalyst for the escalation of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, highlighting the deep-seated divisions in the community. source: bbc.com
- 29 Nov Civil rights tension in Northern Ireland: On November 29, 1968, tensions escalated in Northern Ireland as civil rights protests highlighted discrimination against the Catholic minority. This period marked the beginning of significant unrest that would lead to the Troubles. source: bbc.com
- 22 Dec Mao's Cultural Revolution directive on intellectual youth: On December 22, 1968, Mao Zedong issued directives during China's Cultural Revolution that targeted intellectual youth, promoting the idea that they should be sent to the countryside for re-education. This policy aimed to align the youth with revolutionary ideals and reduce the influence of intellectualism. source: britannica.com
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