The Rest Is History: America in '68 – The Chicago Riots (Part 5) Summary

Podcast: The Rest Is History
Hosts: Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook
Episode: 512. America in '68: The Chicago Riots (Part 5)
Release Date: November 11, 2024

1. Setting the Stage: Political Climate of 1968

The year 1968 was one of the most tumultuous in modern American history, marked by political upheaval, social unrest, and significant cultural shifts. The Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago became the epicenter of these tensions, symbolizing the deep divisions within the United States over issues like the Vietnam War and civil rights.

Dominic Sandbrook introduces the context:

"What's coming today is one of the most dramatic weeks in modern American political history."
[04:18]

2. Key Political Figures and Factions

• Hubert Humphrey: Former Vice President and a liberal titan in the Senate, Humphrey emerged as the Democratic nominee. Despite his personal reservations about the Vietnam War, his loyalty to President Lyndon Johnson forced him into a precarious political position.

• Eugene McCarthy: An anti-war candidate who had strong support but fell into a state of deep depression following the assassination of Robert Kennedy.

• Yippies (Youth International Party): Led by Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin, the Yippies represented the counterculture movement, focusing on theatrical and confrontational protests to challenge the established political order.

Tom Holland reflects on the Yippies' manifesto:

"I'm going to be honest, I love the Yippies."
[04:15]

3. Chicago Under Mayor Richard J. Daley

Mayor Richard J. Daley was the quintessential urban boss, wielding immense control over Chicago's political and social landscape. His administration was characterized by:

• Segregation: Chicago was the most segregated city in the U.S., with distinct black and white neighborhoods.

• Police Power: The Chicago Police Department, modernized under Superintendent O.W. Wilson, faced low morale, growing crime rates, and perceptions of being undervalued by both the public and the political system.

Dominic Sandbrook describes Daley's influence:

"He is the quintessential boss. Daily boss, daily city boss. He controls every job, every elected official."
[10:55]

4. The Rise of the Yippies and Their Manifesto

Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin spearheaded the Yippie movement, which sought to infuse political protest with elements of theatricality and humor. Their strategies included:

• Public Spectacles: Stunts like burning draft cards and attempting to levitate the Pentagon aimed to garner media attention.

• Symbolism: The use of pigs in their imagery represented the police and the establishment, emphasizing their confrontational stance.

Dominic Sandbrook highlights the Yippies' approach:

"Make them look stupid. Yes."
[18:02]

Notable Quote:

"Political pigs, your days are numbered. We are the second American Revolution. We shall win. Yippee." – Abbie Hoffman
[24:37]

5. Anticipating the Riots: Police Preparedness vs. Yippie Strategy

As the DNC approached, both the Yippies and the more traditional peace groups like the Mobe (National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam) prepared for massive protests. The Yippies aimed to disrupt the convention with creative and provocative actions, while Mayor Daley fortified his city with armed police and strict security measures.

Dominic Sandbrook explains the tension:

"The Chicago police have come in for severe criticism in 68, not for being too harsh, but for being too weak."
[28:22]

6. The Confrontation Unfolds: From Peaceful Protest to Chaos

Sunday, August 25, 1968:

• Initial Peaceful March: The Mobe organized a march to the Hilton Hotel, the hub of Democratic campaign operations. Protesters chanted anti-war slogans but were met with aggressive police responses, leading to escalating tensions.

• Yippies' Festival of Life: The Yippies attempted to hold a peaceful festival in Lincoln Park, attracting far fewer participants than anticipated. Frustration mounted as stop permits were continually denied, setting the stage for conflict.

Notable Incident:

"A beautiful, bizarre scene unfolds as Ralph Abernathy's mule train traverses Michigan Avenue, symbolizing poverty amidst chaos."
[50:57]

Dominic Sandbrook recounts the breakdown of order:

"At midnight, the police discipline breaks, and they start clubbing people, beating them to the ground. It descends into total and utter chaos."
[39:55]

7. Media Portrayal and Public Perception

Television played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion. As violent clashes unfolded, the media broadcast images of police brutality juxtaposed with Humphrey's cheerful demeanor, damaging his public image and highlighting the stark contrast between establishment figures and the protesters.

Dominic Sandbrook observes:

"The polls showed that only 10% of the public thought the police were too harsh and more than double that thought they weren't harsh enough."
[62:13]

8. The Aftermath: Humphrey's Nomination and Public Opinion

Hubert Humphrey secured the Democratic nomination amidst widespread chaos, but the negative imagery of police violence overshadowed his campaign. Mayor Daley's hardline stance failed to mollify the public sentiment, which largely sided with law enforcement over the protesters.

Dominic Sandbrook concludes:

"It's been a complete and utter nightmare for the Democrats. It confirms every suspicion that they are the party of chaos, the party of disorder."
[61:44]

9. Reflections on the Era's Protests and Their Legacy

The Chicago Riots of 1968 serve as a foundational moment for understanding subsequent protest movements in America. The clash between the counterculture's theatrical protests and the establishment's militarized response set precedents for future demonstrations, influencing public perception and political discourse.

Dominic Sandbrook reflects:

"Imagine you are from a middle America community in Iowa or somewhere and you know, boys who've gone off to fight in the Vietnam War and then you turn on your telly. Long haired college kids chanting the names of the opposition. I think that's the problem."
[65:03]

10. Notable Quotes

• Tom Holland:

  "Would you have accepted, do you think?"
  [13:51]

• Dominic Sandbrook:

  "A movement cannot grow without repression."
  [20:15]

• Ralph Abernathy:

  "If a pig comes up to you and starts swinging a billy club and you check around and you got your piece, you got to down that pig in defense of yourself."
  [45:03]

Conclusion

The Chicago Riots of 1968 encapsulate a pivotal moment in American history, illustrating the intense socio-political divisions of the time. Through the lens of The Rest Is History, listeners gain an in-depth understanding of the complex interplay between political figures, protest movements, and law enforcement, highlighting the enduring legacy of 1968's turbulent events.

For a more comprehensive exploration of this episode and other historical narratives, consider joining The Rest Is History Club at www.therestishistory.com