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 1967, counterculture and anti-Vietnam War protest groups had been promising to come to Chicago and ruin the convention, and the city promised to maintain law and order.

For eight days the protesters were met by the Chicago Police Department in the streets and parks of Chicago while the U.S. Democratic Party met at the convention in the International Amphitheater, with 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
A speaker with a megaphone addresses a crowd of protestors in Grant Park
Anti-war demonstrators in Lincoln Park, Chicago. 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.
Illinois National guard troops off of Michigan Avenue.
People in Lincoln Park during the convention.
People in Lincoln Park during the convention, being recorded by NBC.