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The Unfolding of May '68

A comprehensive examination of the student protests, general strikes, and profound societal shifts that reshaped France.

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Overview

A Pivotal Moment

May 1968 in France signifies a period of intense civil unrest, marked by widespread student demonstrations and a nationwide general strike. This tumultuous phase brought the nation to the precipice of revolution, fundamentally altering its political, social, and cultural landscape. The events remain a significant reference point in modern European history.

Escalation and Impact

Initially sparked by student grievances against university conditions and state repression, the movement rapidly transformed into a massive general strike involving millions of workers. This widespread disruption paralyzed the country, challenging the authority of President Charles de Gaulle's government and highlighting deep-seated societal discontent.

Context of Change

Occurring within the broader context of global protests in 1968 and the Cold War, May '68 was fueled by post-war modernization, growing inequalities, and dissatisfaction with conservative social norms. Student activism, influenced by Marxist, anarchist, and countercultural ideologies, converged with labor demands, creating a potent force for change.

Background

Post-War France

The period following World War II, known as the Trente Glorieuses (Thirty Glorious Years), saw significant economic growth and modernization in France. However, this era also exacerbated social inequalities and fostered alienation, particularly among students and young workers facing rigid academic structures and challenging labor conditions.

Student Discontent

By the late 1960s, France's university system was strained by a rapidly expanding student population. Academic structures were perceived as outdated and unresponsive to student needs. Influenced by global countercultural and radical political movements, students began to view their struggles as part of a larger revolutionary movement against capitalism and authoritarianism.

Political Climate

President Charles de Gaulle's Fifth Republic, while stable, was seen by many as increasingly conservative and repressive. An electoral alliance formed between the French Communist Party and the French Section of the Workers' International in February 1968 signaled potential shifts in the political landscape, though the established order remained dominant.

Student Protests

The Spark at Nanterre

The initial catalyst for the May '68 events occurred in March 1968 at Paris Nanterre University. Protests against class discrimination and university bureaucracy led to clashes with authorities. The university's closure on May 2nd redirected student activism to the Sorbonne campus in central Paris.

Escalation and Barricades

On May 6th, police violently dispersed a student gathering at the Sorbonne, resulting in widespread clashes, hundreds of arrests, and the erection of barricades. The state's heavy-handed response fueled public outrage and solidarity, drawing in high school students and supporters.

  • Dropping of all criminal charges against arrested students.
  • Withdrawal of police from university campuses.
  • Reopening of Nanterre and Sorbonne universities.

Graffiti and Discourse

The walls of Paris became canvases for revolutionary slogans and critiques of society. Phrases like "It is forbidden to forbid" and "Under the paving stones, the beach!" captured the spirit of liberation and defiance, reflecting a desire to challenge established norms and authority.

Worker Strikes

The General Strike

By mid-May, the student movement had ignited a nationwide general strike. Approximately 10 million workers, representing two-thirds of the French workforce, participated, halting factories, transportation, and essential services. This marked the largest general strike in French history.

Divergent Agendas

While students sought radical societal transformation, workers' demands primarily focused on wage increases, improved working conditions, and reduced working hours. The Grenelle agreements, negotiated on May 27th, offered significant concessions, including a 10% wage increase and a 35% rise in the minimum wage, but were initially rejected by union members.

Confrontations and Casualties

The escalating unrest led to violent confrontations. By May 24th, reports indicated two deaths among rioters and hundreds injured and arrested in clashes, highlighting the volatile nature of the situation. The government's response, including police actions, generated significant public outcry.

Political Crisis

De Gaulle's Disappearance

On May 29th, President de Gaulle, facing immense pressure and fearing a loss of control, secretly left Paris for French military headquarters in West Germany. This temporary absence fueled speculation about his potential resignation and the collapse of state authority.

After meeting with General Jacques Massu and securing military support, de Gaulle returned to Paris. He subsequently announced the dissolution of the National Assembly and called for new legislative elections, signaling a move to regain control and restore order.

Election and Resolution

The government's announcement of the army's readiness and the planned elections shifted the political momentum. A massive pro-Gaullist rally on May 30th demonstrated significant public support for stability. The legislative elections held in June resulted in a decisive victory for de Gaulle's party, effectively ending the immediate revolutionary threat.

Opposition's Position

Opposition parties, including the Socialists and Communists, attempted to capitalize on the crisis. However, divisions within the left and public apprehension about a potential Communist takeover, influenced by events in Eastern Europe, hindered their ability to present a unified alternative government.

Aftermath

Fading Momentum

Following de Gaulle's decisive actions and the election results, the revolutionary fervor waned. Workers gradually returned to their jobs, and student demonstrations subsided. Police regained control of occupied university spaces, and several leftist organizations were banned.

Political Shifts

Although de Gaulle's party secured a landslide victory, the events significantly weakened his authority. He resigned the following year after failing to win a referendum. The May '68 movement, while not achieving immediate revolution, spurred long-term changes in state policy towards education and social welfare.

Labor Concessions

The widespread strikes forced significant concessions in labor rights. The Grenelle agreements, eventually accepted, led to substantial wage increases and improved working conditions, fundamentally altering the relationship between labor and capital in France.

Legacy

Cultural and Intellectual Impact

May '68 left an indelible mark on French culture and intellectual life. It fostered the growth of feminist, environmentalist, and LGBTQ+ activism. Thinkers like Michel Foucault and Jean Baudrillard were influenced by the movement's critique of power structures and societal norms.

Enduring Slogans

The iconic slogans and graffiti generated during May '68 continue to resonate in political and social discourse. Phrases such as "Power to the imagination" and "Be realistic, demand the impossible" encapsulate the era's spirit of radical possibility and critique.

  • Il est interdit d'interdire ("It is forbidden to forbid")
  • L'imagination au pouvoir ("Power to the imagination")
  • Jouissez sans entraves ("Enjoy without hindrance")
  • Soyez réalistes, demandez l'impossible ("Be realistic, demand the impossible")
  • CRS = SS (Comparing riot police to the SS)
  • Je suis Marxiste—tendance Groucho ("I'm a Marxist—of the Groucho persuasion")
  • Marx, Mao, Marcuse!
  • Sous les pavés, la plage! ("Under the paving stones, the beach!")

Influence on Arts

The events profoundly influenced cinema, music, and literature. Films by directors like Jean-Luc Godard, Louis Malle, and Bernardo Bertolucci explored the themes and aftermath of May '68. Musicians, including Léo Ferré and The Rolling Stones, referenced the protests in their work, capturing the era's revolutionary energy.

Slogans and Graffiti

The Language of Revolt

The walls of Paris and other cities became a vibrant medium for expressing the dissent and aspirations of the May '68 movement. Graffiti and slogans offered a direct, often poetic, critique of societal structures, consumerism, and authority.

"Under the Paving Stones, the Beach!"

This iconic slogan, Sous les pavés, la plage!, encapsulated the movement's desire to break free from the constraints of urban life and societal norms, revealing a hidden potential for liberation beneath the surface of everyday reality. It symbolized the discovery of unexpected possibilities amidst the chaos.

Challenging Authority

Many slogans directly challenged prohibitions and restrictions, reflecting a core anti-authoritarian sentiment. Phrases like Il est interdit d'interdire ("It is forbidden to forbid") became emblematic of the demand for greater personal and political freedom.

Cultural Resonance

Cinema's Reflection

Filmmakers captured the spirit and consequences of May '68. Works like Jean-Luc Godard's Tout Va Bien and Bernardo Bertolucci's The Dreamers explored the class struggles and personal transformations influenced by the events, offering diverse perspectives on the movement's impact.

Musical Echoes

The protests inspired musicians across genres and borders. French artists like Léo Ferré and Claude Nougaro released songs reflecting the era's mood. Internationally, The Rolling Stones' "Street Fighting Man" and David Holmes's "I Heard Wonders" drew inspiration from the revolutionary atmosphere.

  • Léo Ferré's songs: "L'Été 68", "Paris je ne t'aime plus", etc.
  • Claude Nougaro: "Paris Mai"
  • The Rolling Stones: "Street Fighting Man"
  • David Holmes: "I Heard Wonders"
  • The Refused: "Protest Song '68"
  • The Stone Roses: "Bye Bye Badman"
  • Vangelis: Fais que ton rêve soit plus long que la nuit
  • Caetano Veloso: "É Proibido Proibir"

Artistic Expression

Visual artists, particularly through the Atelier Populaire at the École des Beaux-Arts, created powerful posters that became symbols of the movement. Spanish painter Joan Miró's work May 1968 and Herman Braun-Vega's triptych also reflected the artistic engagement with the events.

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References

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the May 68 Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Historical Context and Interpretation

This content was generated by an AI based on historical data, aiming for an academic perspective suitable for higher education students. While striving for accuracy and adherence to the source material, interpretations of historical events can vary. The information provided is intended for educational purposes and does not constitute definitive historical analysis or political commentary.

This is not political or historical advice. Users should consult primary sources and diverse scholarly analyses for a comprehensive understanding of the May 1968 events and their complex legacy. Reliance on this information alone is not recommended for academic research without further verification.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.