1968 Democratic National Convention protests

Protests at Grant Park during the 1968 Democratic National Convention

Protest activity against the Vietnam War took place before and during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

ISince1967, people of the counterculture and opponents of the Vietnam War had been promising to come to the city to ruin the convention. The city promised to maintain law and order.

For eight days the protesters were met by the Chicago Police Department in Chiacgo's streets and parks while the Democratic Party met at the convention in the International Amphitheater. The protests became violent in what a major report later said was a "police riot" on the night of August 28, 1968.^[1]

1968 Democratic National Convention Protests Media

Yippie! button on display at the Chicago History Museum
Mayor Richard J. Daley
A speaker with a megaphone addresses a crowd of protesters in Grant Park
Anti-war demonstrators in Lincoln Park, Chicago on August 25. The band MC5 can be seen playing
Chicago Police outside the Conrad Hilton.
This demonstration took place on August 10, 1968, as Chicago was preparing to host the Democratic National Convention.
Illinois National Guard troops in downtown Chicago by the Central Station.
Illinois National guard troops off of Michigan Avenue.
People in Lincoln Park during the convention.