1968 Democratic National Convention: Turmoil in America - Research Paper

Introduction

Democratic National Convention took place between 26th and 29th August 1968. It was held in Chicago at International Amphitheatre. The main reason for this convention was to choose another presidential nominee to run for office as a candidate of Democratic Party. The United States was a period of turmoil when the Democratic National Convention was being held. American citizens were not happy with the Vietnam War in addition to the assassination of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., who were prominent leaders. This paper will discuss the events that took place during the 1968 Democratic National Convention, their causes, and how these events affected Americans and their history. The 1968 Democratic National Convention which took place in Chicago witnessed bloodshed and riots involving police, protesters and bystanders which facilitated to the radical change in America Social and political landscape.

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The violent riots and how the government responded to these riots make the 1968 Convention to be remembered. Vietnam War, which assisted in making Americans divided, was the primary cause of the Chicago riots; however, there were still many causes (Kusch, 2008). There was unrest in many parts of the US and teenagers born during this era rebelled against the strict status quo. They did this by opposing their parents' morals, listening to rock music, and wearing jeans (Kusch, 2008). This generation later protested against the Vietnam War and gradually opposed the establishments and government of the day.

There were intense protests that were carried out by blacks following lack of fundamental civil rights, prejudice and segregation, mainly after they came from war. Their demonstrations eventually worked, which facilitated the passing bills of civil rights in 1960 (Schultz, 2009). This led to equal rights for blacks and other minorities. This success motivated other groups that were not satisfied with the government operations and the Vietnam War to using similar protests. Unfortunately, these protests started to turn ugly and violent. As a result, many Blacks were murdered, especially during the riots after the assassination of Martin Luther King.

The democrats finally convened following this extraordinary background. Law enforcement was on high alert including National Guard during the Democratic Convention. The police were usually on the defensive; however, when there were minor disturbances, they turned to be extreme and oppressive against innocent bystanders and demonstrators. The mayor of Chicago had given police order of "shoot to kill" to those who posed a threat (Schultz, 2009). Police used tactics that facilitated to indiscriminate violence to civilians that were gathered in Chicago. Events surrounding Democratic National Convention were among the brutal assaults to be done by police in America. The entire country was shocked by this violence since it was aired live on Television.

The protest accomplished many things and impacted the United States in many ways. The demonstration revealed to the world how police were brutal towards civilians and protesters (Bantam, 1968). Richard M. Nixon defeated vice president Hubert H. Humphrey (Democratic nominee) during presidential elections. Since then, the Democrats have only won three presidential elections (Schultz, 2009). Ideological divides have continued despite changes in party rules which have resulted in power if anointing presidential nominee. Party bosses were replaced by "super delegates" for nominations.

Democratic National Convention in Chicago became a year of assassinations, breakdown in law and order, riots, and heartbreak events that seemed as if the US was disintegrating. This convention eclipsed any other conference that has been conducted in American history. The lacerating events destroyed faith in politicians, government institutions, political systems and country at large. Many years to come, the effects of convention and riots reverberated in Chicago.

References

Bantam, A. (Ed.). (1968). Rights in conflict: the violent confrontation of demonstrators and police in the parks and streets of Chicago during the week of the Democratic National Convention of 1968. Bantam Books.

Kusch, F. (2008). Battleground Chicago: The Police and the 1968 Democratic National Convention. University of Chicago Press.

Schultz, J. (2009). No One Was Killed: The Democratic National Convention, August 1968. University of Chicago Press.