The 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago was not only a political event but also the backdrop for a significant period of social unrest. From August 23 to August 29, an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 anti-war protesters converged on the city, clashing with a heavily fortified police and National Guard presence. These protests, primarily against the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War, unfolded over approximately seven days, marked by
escalating tensions and confrontations that culminated in the infamous "Battle for Michigan Avenue."
Prelude to Conflict: Early Days of Protest
Even before the main convention events, Chicago authorities and the media had anticipated a large influx of protesters, though the actual numbers were lower than some predictions. The week's violence began on Thursday, August 22, with the shooting of 17-year-old Dean Johnson by Chicago police officers. Johnson and another boy were stopped for a curfew violation. When Johnson drew and fired a pistol, which misfired, officers returned fire, hitting him three times. The Yippies and Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) quickly organized a memorial service, though it was noted for its poor planning, with attendees simply milling around an intersection until police gently dispersed them.
Friday, August 23, saw a more theatrical protest as Jerry Rubin and 50 Yippies attempted to formally nominate their presidential candidate: Pigasus, a 150-pound pig. At the Civic Center plaza, with 200 spectators gathered, police were waiting. After Pigasus was released, Rubin, folk singer Phil Ochs, and five other Yippies were arrested. The remaining Yippies then marched to police headquarters to protest the arrests. By the weekend before the convention, about 2,000 demonstrators had set up camp in Lincoln Park, a key location for early confrontations.
Escalating Tensions and Curfew Clashes
Saturday, August 24, brought continuous surveillance to Lincoln Park, which police had been clearing at 11 p.m. on previous nights. Women Strike for Peace attempted a women-only picket at the Hilton Hotel, but only about 60 women showed up despite plans for hundreds. Later that night, Yippies built a bonfire in Lincoln Park, leading to a confrontation with armed police. As protesters generally agreed to take their demonstrations to the streets rather than stay in the park after curfew, poet Allen Ginsberg led 250 protesters out of the park at 11 p.m. towards North Avenue. Police blocked re-entry to Lincoln Park, while SDS leaders organized several hundred protesters to march through the streets, chanting "Peace Now." When the crowd blocked an intersection, police arrived, cleared the area, and arrested eleven people for disorderly conduct, with several police vehicles reportedly stoned before the crowd dispersed.
Sunday, August 25, saw thousands gather in Lincoln Park around bonfires, beating drums and chanting, allegedly encouraged by protest leaders to "test the curfew." When the park officially closed at 11 p.m., Chicago police used tear gas and billy clubs to forcibly remove them. Police formed a skirmish line, clearing the park and ending up on Stockton Drive, where about 200 police faced approximately 2,000 protesters. This confrontation resulted in protesters, journalists, photographers, and bystanders being clubbed and beaten by police.
The Climax: Grant Park and Michigan Avenue
On Monday, August 26, demonstrators gathered in Grant Park, where skirmishes with police erupted after some climbed the General John Logan Memorial statue. Police arrested a young man, breaking his arm in the process, while protesters chanted "kill the pigs." The National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam (MOBE) had sought permits for large-scale marches and a rally, but most were denied. The only permit granted for convention week was for a rally at the Grant Park band shell on the afternoon of August 28, which was issued only after the convention had begun. David Dellinger, MOBE chairman, declared they would march "with or without a permit," viewing Grant Park as merely a "staging area."
The morning of August 28 saw Abbie Hoffman's arrest. In the afternoon, Dellinger, Seale, Davis, and Hayden addressed thousands at the Grant Park band shell. Following the rally, several thousand protesters attempted to march to the International Amphitheatre but were stopped in front of the Conrad Hilton Hotel by a formidable line of National Guard troops. This confrontation, known as "The Battle for Michigan Avenue," became a pivotal moment. As the crowd chanted "the whole world is watching," television networks broadcast the "17-minute melee" live, interrupting convention coverage. Police violence was widespread, affecting protesters, bystanders, and media, with tear gas even reaching Hubert Humphrey's hotel suite. Reports detailed police pushing protesters through plate-glass windows and beating them. The day concluded with 100 protesters and 119 police officers treated for injuries, and 600 protesters arrested, solidifying the image of a city in turmoil as Humphrey secured the presidential nomination.
