May 68

May 1968 was a period of intense social upheaval in France. It involved widespread protests, strikes, and civil unrest. This movement became one of the most significant social uprisings in modern European history. It fundamentally changed French politics, labor relations, and cultural life. While the country saw economic growth during this time, many people felt social tensions rising. This era of growth was part of the Trente Glorieuses, or the "Thirty Glorious Years." However, this period also created deep inequalities and feelings of alienation.

The unrest was fueled by several different groups of people. Students were frustrated by a rigid university system and conservative social norms. They were inspired by various ideologies, including Marxism and anarchism. They saw themselves as part of a struggle against capitalism and authoritarianism. At the same time, the French working class felt dissatisfied. Despite the growing economy, workers faced stagnant wages and poor working conditions. Many people also viewed the government, led by President Charles de Gaulle, as outdated and repressive.

The protests began at Paris Nanterre University in late March. On May 2, the administration shut down the Nanterre campus. This caused students to move their demonstrations to the Sorbonne in central Paris.

On May 6, police intervened to disperse a student gathering at the Sorbonne. This led to violent clashes and many arrests. Students began erecting barricades to block the police. By the night of May 10, intense street battles occurred between protesters and the police. These confrontations were broadcast on the radio and later shown on television.

As the conflict escalated, the movement expanded from students to workers. On May 13, a massive general strike began. About 10 million workers participated in this strike. This represented two-thirds of the French labor force. It was the largest general strike in the history of France. The strike shut down factories, transportation, and various public services. In some areas, the unrest became very dangerous. Two people died during the riots in late May. One man died in Lyon after being crushed by a truck. Another man was killed during an argument in Paris.

The French government struggled to maintain control during the height of the crisis. On May 27, leaders negotiated the Grenelle agreements. These agreements promised a 35% increase in the minimum wage and a 10% increase in all salaries. They also offered better working conditions and social protections. Despite these offers, some unions rejected the deals because their members opposed them. On May 29, President de Gaulle briefly left France for a military base in West Germany. He returned the next day to dissolve the National Assembly and call for new elections.

Although the movement did not result in a full revolution, it had lasting effects. The immediate revolutionary momentum faded after the June elections. In those elections, de Gaulle's party won a large victory. However, the events of May 68 weakened de Gaulle's authority. He eventually resigned from his position the following year. The strikes successfully forced major concessions regarding labor rights and wages. The state also increased its investment in education and social policies. The movement proved that large-scale collective action could force political and economic change.

The legacy of May 68 extends into many different areas of society. It contributed to the growth of various social movements. These included feminist, environmentalist, and LGBTQ activism. It also inspired new ways of thinking in philosophy, media, and academia. Famous thinkers like Michel Foucault and Jean Baudrillard were influenced by this era. Today, the slogans and images from May 68 remain important in French political discussions. The period serves as a major touchstone for social and cultural identity in France.