Democratic National Convention 1968 Essay Example

knew that this confrontation had a high likelihood of turning violent. Despite the city denying permits to the protesters, they defiantly assembled and started marching while delegates from across the country arrived at Chicago's International Amphitheatre for the convention.

Police swiftly confronted the demonstrators, resulting in a violent clash known as the "Police Riots". The events began with warnings to disperse and quickly escalated into brutal beatings. In an effort to disperse and control the situation, tear gas was deployed by the police, causing eye irritation and worsening the situation. The riots rapidly descended into chaos as both police officers and National Guardsmen forcefully entered crowds and nearby churches, using clubs to attack any protester they encountered. On that day, 598 individuals were arrested, while numerous innocent protesters required medical treatment at local hospitals for severe injuries to their faces and limbs.

Despite there being no fatalities, the events of that day have become infamous as one of the most brutal riots in American History. It took a continuous six hours for order to be restored and for the majority of protestors to retreat to their temporary accommodations, which were primarily churches and nearby homes. The aftermath of the riots resulted in nearby parks and buildings resembling a battlefield, with bloodstained floors and numerous discarded items littering public facilities. The impact of the "Police Riots" on the city went beyond that of any potential protest or rally. Several months later, the renowned trial known as the "Chicago Seven" began.

The "Chicago Seven" were a group of radicals from various organizations who were accused of planning to incite a riot at the Democratic National Convention. However, what made their

trial remarkable was the presence of mostly middle-aged, white jurors who harbored deep prejudice against the hippie movement. Consequently, it sparked a conflict between conservative, white men and liberal, free-spirited hippies. In the end, all defendants were acquitted of conspiracy charges while five defendants received convictions for their intent to provoke a riot.

The trial gained significant publicity and support, resulting in substantial societal changes and a more progressive America. The riots at the Democratic National Convention became a turning point for the hippie movement in the 1960s. While many protesters gathered in nearby streets to demonstrate against the Vietnam War, tens of thousands of police and national guardsmen arrived with the intention of violently disrupting any peaceful rally. These events will forever be remembered as a tragic incident during an otherwise peaceful demonstration. Even today, protesters continue to fight for the same cause that was fought four decades ago through protests at police reunions. The Democratic National Convention riots will always be recognized as one of the most important and unforgettable events in American history.

Works Cited

1. Johnson, Haynes. "1968 Democratic Convention". Smithsonian. 6/1/2010
2. Freeman, Jo. "Confrontation at the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago".
3. Jo Freeman 6/1/2010 . Dawson, Dawn P.. Great Events. 10 vols. New York: 2002
4. Linder, Douglas O. .

"The Chicago Seven Conspiracy Trial". Famous American Trials. 6/1/2010.

6th of January, 2010.