1968 Democratic National Convention protest activity facts for kids

The 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago was a big event where the Democratic Party chose its candidate for president. But outside the convention hall, there were many protests. These protests were mainly against the Vietnam War, which was happening at the time.

Groups who were against the Vietnam War and those part of the "counterculture" movement (people who had different ideas about society) had planned to come to Chicago. They wanted to protest the war and the government's actions. The city of Chicago, in turn, promised to keep things peaceful and orderly.

For eight days, while the Democratic Party met inside the International Amphitheater, protesters gathered in the streets and parks of Chicago. They often faced the Chicago Police Department. On the night of August 28, 1968, the protests became very intense. A later report described what happened as a "police riot," meaning the police used too much force against the protesters.

Why People Protested in 1968

The Vietnam War and Public Opinion

The main reason for the protests was the Vietnam War. Many young people and others in the United States did not agree with the war. They felt it was wrong and that too many American soldiers were being hurt or killed.

People were also upset because they felt the government was not listening to their concerns. They wanted the war to end. Protests had been growing across the country for years before 1968.

Youth and Counterculture Movements

The 1960s was a time of big changes, especially for young people. Many young Americans were part of a "counterculture" movement. This meant they questioned traditional rules and ideas. They often spoke out against war, supported civil rights, and wanted more freedom.

These groups used music, art, and protests to share their messages. They believed in peaceful change, but sometimes their demonstrations led to clashes. The Chicago convention was a major chance for them to make their voices heard on a national stage.

Events Leading to the Convention

Planning the Protests

Before the convention, several groups announced their plans to protest in Chicago. These included the National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam (often called "the Mobe") and the Youth International Party (known as "Yippies"). The Yippies were known for their creative and sometimes humorous protests.

These groups wanted to disrupt the convention. They hoped to show the country how strong the anti-war feelings were. They also wanted to pressure the Democratic Party to choose a candidate who would end the war.

Chicago's Response and Preparations

Chicago's mayor at the time was Richard J. Daley. He was determined to keep order in the city. The city government refused to give protest groups permits to march or gather in certain parks. This made the protesters even more determined to come.

The city prepared by calling in thousands of police officers. They also had the Illinois National Guard on standby. Mayor Daley wanted to make sure the convention went smoothly. He did not want any disruptions.

The Convention Week: August 26-29, 1968

Early Days of Protests

Protesters started arriving in Chicago in the days leading up to the convention. Many gathered in Lincoln Park. They set up camps and held rallies. The atmosphere was tense, with police watching closely.

On the first few nights, there were smaller clashes between police and protesters. Police tried to enforce a curfew in the parks. This led to arguments and some arrests.

The Main Clashes on August 28

The most famous and violent events happened on August 28. This was the night the Democratic Party officially nominated its presidential candidate. Thousands of protesters tried to march from Grant Park to the International Amphitheater.

Police blocked their path. What followed was a chaotic scene in the streets near the convention. Police used tear gas and batons against the protesters. Many people were injured, including protesters, police officers, and even some journalists.

The "Police Riot" Report

After the convention, a special commission investigated the events. This group was called the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence. Their report described the police actions on August 28 as a "police riot."

This meant that the police themselves were seen as causing much of the violence. The report said that the police used excessive force. It also noted that many protesters were peaceful, even if some were trying to provoke the police.

Impact and Legacy

Changes in Public Opinion

The events in Chicago were shown on television across the country. Many Americans were shocked by what they saw. The images of police clashing with young protesters deeply divided the nation.

Some people supported the police and Mayor Daley. They believed the police were restoring order. Others were horrified by the police actions and felt sympathy for the protesters. The events made many people question the government and the war even more.

Political Consequences

The chaos in Chicago hurt the Democratic Party. It made the party seem divided and unable to control its own city. This likely played a role in the presidential election that year.

The protests and the police response became a symbol of the deep divisions in America during the 1960s. They showed how strongly people felt about the Vietnam War and civil rights. The events are still studied today as an important moment in American history.

Images for kids

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  Yippie! button on display at the Chicago History Museum

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  This demonstration took place on August 10, 1968 as Chicago was preparing to host the Democratic National Convention.

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  People in Lincoln Park during the convention.

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  People in Lincoln Park during the convention, being recorded by NBC.

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  Chicago police drag an anti-war protester on August 28, 1968, during the Democratic National Convention as the crowd chants "The whole world is watching"