The late 1960s saw a wave of student protests and workers' strikes sweep across Europe. From France's May 1968 events to Germany's student movement, young people demanded social and educational reforms, challenging traditional authority structures.
These protests intertwined with anti-Vietnam War demonstrations and a growing counterculture movement . Key figures like Daniel Cohn-Bendit and Rudi Dutschke emerged as leaders, while the events sparked political upheaval and the rise of radical left-wing groups.
Student Protests and Counterculture
May 1968 Events in France and German Student Movement
Top images from around the web for May 1968 Events in France and German Student Movement German student movement - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
50 Years later...The 1968 French general strike-its meaning today. - News and Letters Committees View original
Is this image relevant?
Protests of 1968 - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
German student movement - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
50 Years later...The 1968 French general strike-its meaning today. - News and Letters Committees View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for May 1968 Events in France and German Student Movement German student movement - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
50 Years later...The 1968 French general strike-its meaning today. - News and Letters Committees View original
Is this image relevant?
Protests of 1968 - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
German student movement - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
50 Years later...The 1968 French general strike-its meaning today. - News and Letters Committees View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
May 1968 events in France sparked widespread student protests and workers' strikes
Began at University of Nanterre with demands for social and educational reforms
Quickly spread to other universities and factories across France
Resulted in nationwide general strike involving over 10 million workers
German student movement emerged in the mid-1960s
Focused on university reforms, anti-authoritarianism, and opposition to the Vietnam War
Centered around universities in West Berlin and Frankfurt
Culminated in the 1968 German student movement, known as the "68er-Bewegung"
Daniel Cohn-Bendit emerged as a prominent leader of the May 1968 events in France
Nicknamed "Danny the Red" for his leftist views and red hair
Played a crucial role in organizing student protests at Nanterre University
Later became a member of the European Parliament
Rudi Dutschke led the German student movement
Charismatic speaker and theorist of the New Left
Advocated for a "long march through the institutions" to achieve social change
Survived an assassination attempt in 1968, which further galvanized the movement
Anti-Vietnam War protests spread across Europe
Demonstrations held in major cities (London, Paris, Berlin)
Criticized U.S. involvement and use of chemical weapons (Agent Orange)
Influenced by similar protests in the United States
Counterculture and Cultural Impact
Counterculture movement emerged alongside student protests
Challenged traditional social norms and values
Embraced alternative lifestyles, music, and fashion
Influenced by American hippie culture and Eastern philosophies
Cultural impact of the 1968 protests and counterculture
Shift towards more liberal social attitudes
Increased focus on individual rights and personal freedoms
Long-lasting effects on art, music, and popular culture (psychedelic rock, avant-garde art)
Political Upheaval and Extremism
Prague Spring and Italian 'Hot Autumn'
Prague Spring reform movement in Czechoslovakia
Led by Alexander Dubček , aimed to liberalize and democratize the communist system
Introduced "socialism with a human face " concept
Suppressed by Soviet-led Warsaw Pact invasion in August 1968
Italian 'Hot Autumn' of 1969
Series of strikes and worker protests across Italy
Demanded better working conditions and higher wages
Resulted in significant labor reforms and increased union power
Radical Left-Wing Groups and Ideologies
Red Army Faction (RAF) emerged in West Germany
Also known as the Baader-Meinhof Group
Far-left militant organization founded by Andreas Baader and Ulrike Meinhof
Engaged in bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings throughout the 1970s
Aimed to combat perceived imperialism and capitalist exploitation
Situationist International influenced radical left-wing thought
Founded by Guy Debord and others in 1957
Critiqued consumer culture and spectacle-driven society
Developed concepts like "détournement " and "dérive "
Played a significant role in shaping the ideological framework of the May 1968 events in France
Long-term Consequences and Legacy
Political polarization increased in many European countries
Rise of both far-left and far-right extremist groups
Challenges to established political parties and systems
Security measures and surveillance expanded
Governments implemented new anti-terrorism laws and policies
Increased police powers and intelligence gathering capabilities
Lasting impact on European politics and society
Influenced future social movements and protest tactics
Contributed to the development of new political parties (Green parties)
Shaped debates on civil liberties, social justice, and political participation