May '68: Shaping Political Generations

During May 1968, a civil uprising in France led to massive strikes and occupations, paralysing the economy and bringing the country to the brink of a leftist revolution. This book studies the life trajectories of ordinary protesters during this period, analysing how activism arose, its impact on personal and professional lives, and its transmission through familial generations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 324 pages
Publication date: 12 June 2018
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press

France experienced a tumultuous period in May 1968, marked by widespread civil unrest, particularly driven by the activism of young people and students. This unrest resulted in massive strikes and occupations that effectively crippled the French economy, pushing the country towards the brink of a leftist revolution. In response to these challenges, this book delves into the lives of numerous ordinary protesters during that time, employing statistical analysis and personal narratives to explore the origins, consequences, and enduring impact of this activism on individuals' personal and professional lives, as well as its transmission across familial generations.

The backdrop of May 1968 in France was characterized by a convergence of social, economic, and political factors that fueled the flames of unrest. The youth population, particularly students, were frustrated with the status quo, demanding greater freedom, equality, and social justice. They were influenced by the global political climate, including the civil rights movements in the United States and the anti-war protests in Vietnam, which challenged the authority of established institutions.

The protests in France took various forms, including street demonstrations, sit-ins, and occupations of universities and government buildings. These actions were met with a harsh response from the government, which deployed police forces to suppress the unrest. However, the protests grew in scale and intensity, with millions of people taking to the streets to voice their grievances.

One of the most significant outcomes of the civil uprising in France was the paralysing of the country's economy. The strikes and occupations led to a significant decline in production, leading to shortages of goods and services and a rise in inflation. This economic crisis had a profound impact on the lives of ordinary people, particularly those in lower-income households.

The civil unrest also had a lasting impact on French society and politics. It led to the emergence of new political movements, such as the Socialist Party and the Green Party, which challenged the dominance of the established parties. It also contributed to the decline of the French Communist Party, which had been a powerful force in the country for decades.

The personal narratives of the protesters in this book provide a unique insight into the experiences of those who were involved in the civil uprising. They describe the motivations behind their activism, the challenges they faced, and the sacrifices they made to achieve their goals. These narratives highlight the human cost of the unrest, as well as the resilience and determination of the protesters.

Furthermore, the book explores the transmission of activism through familial generations. It argues that the experiences of the protesters in May 1968 had a lasting impact on their families, shaping their political beliefs and values and influencing their choices in life. This transmission is particularly evident in the case of young people who grew up in households where parents were involved in the protests.

In conclusion, the civil uprising in France in May 1968 was a pivotal moment in the country's history, marked by widespread unrest and activism driven by young people and students. This unrest had a profound impact on the country's economy, society, and politics, and its legacy continues to be felt today. This book provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of this period by studying the life trajectories of ordinary protesters and exploring the origins, consequences, and enduring impact of this activism on individuals' personal and professional lives, as well as its transmission across familial generations.

Weight: 636g
Dimension: 171 x 248 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789462983755
Edition number: 0