May 1968 and all that :: Power Line

We are nearing the 40th anniversary of the famous student uprising in France. In the heart of Paris' student quarter, on Rue Saint Jacques, the city is displaying a collection of excellent photographs of the May 1968 events -- students constructing barricades from burned-out cars, pulling up cubes of pavement with which to do battle against the police, and so forth. The photos are accompanied by short captions which generally express sympathy and affection for the students.

But why were they fighting in the streets? Unlike the U.S., France was not bogged down in a controversial war. Moreover, the government of Charles de Gaulle had brought stability and prosperity to France after three decades of misfortune and worse.

Full Article ...

Sphere: Related Content