Democratic National Convention 1968

The 1968 Democratic National Convention: A Tumultuous Time in American Politics

A Time of Conflict and Division

The 1968 Democratic National Convention was held in Chicago, Illinois, from August 26 to 29, 1968. The convention was a tumultuous event, marked by violence and party upheaval. The divisions within the Democratic Party were amplified by the ongoing Vietnam War, which was deeply unpopular with many Americans.

Violent Protests Erupt

During the convention, thousands of anti-war protesters gathered in the streets of Chicago. The protests quickly turned violent, as demonstrators clashed with police and National Guard troops. The violence was captured on television, and the images of police brutality against protesters shocked the nation.

Hubert Humphrey Wins Nomination

Despite the chaos outside, the Democratic Party's presidential nomination went to Hubert Humphrey, the sitting Vice President. Humphrey's nomination was seen as a compromise between the party's moderate and liberal wings. However, Humphrey's victory did little to quell the unrest within the party.

A Lasting Legacy

The 1968 Democratic National Convention remains a haunting reminder of the divisions that existed in American society during the Vietnam War era. The convention also cast a shadow over US politics for decades to come, as it revealed the deep divisions between the left and right in the Democratic Party.

In the years since the convention, there have been numerous attempts to understand and explain the events of that tumultuous time. Historians and political scientists continue to study the convention, seeking to learn from its lessons and avoid the mistakes of the past.