Decolonizing 1968: Transnational Student Activism in Tunis, Paris, and Dakar

Decolonizing 1968 examines how activists in 1968 transformed university campuses across Europe and North Africa into sites of contestation over modernity and nationhood after empire. It unearths complex connections between activists and their transnational networks, and reveals that 1968 was a key turning point in the history of decolonization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 258 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: Cornell University Press

Decolonizing 1968 delves into the transformative impact of activists in 1968 on university campuses across Europe and North Africa. These activists sought to redefine the boundaries of modernity and nationhood in the wake of the collapse of European empires. Burleigh Hendrickson, in his detailed account, presents protesters' perspectives to challenge the dominant narratives emerging from state-controlled media outlets. He also explores how the education systems established during the colonial period played a crucial role in shaping the postcolonial revolt. Hendrickson uncovers the intricate connections between activists and their transnational networks spanning Tunis, Paris, and Dakar. He weaves their overlapping stories and participation in France's May 68 together, highlighting the interconnectedness of these movements. By leveraging global protest, Decolonizing 1968 demonstrates the enduring ties between France and its former colonies. It examines the transnational networks that emerged and the new human and immigrant rights initiatives that followed in the wake of 1968. Through this lens, Hendrickson reveals that 1968 is not just a momentous event in the history of left-wing protest but a pivotal moment in the history of decolonization.

The ebook editions of this book, thanks to generous funding from Penn State and its participation in TOME (Toward an Open Monograph Ecosystem), are available as Open Access volumes from Cornell Open (cornellpress.cornell.edu/cornell-open) and other repositories.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501767715