Chicago 1968: Law and Disorder

The 1968 Democratic National Convention, which would eventually nominate Hubert Humphrey as its presidential candidate, was better known for its violent clashes between antiwar protesters and the Chicago police.

It wasn’t until I was in the Chicago History Museum looking at the 1968 Convention exhibit that I realized that we were staying in THE infamous Hilton (although it’s now called the Hilton Magnificent Mile).

The Democratic National Convention in 1968 was disrupted by antiwar protests and deadly clashes between police and protesters. Police are lined up in front of the Conrad Hilton, where the convention was being held, to ward off protesters.

The Vietcong initiated the Tet Offensive in January 1968. Although it didn’t make much impact militarily, the Offensive galvanized the antiwar movement by refuting President Johnson’s claim that the war was nearing its conclusion (it wouldn’t end until 1975).

The “Yippie!” button refers to the Youth International Party begun by Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin. They used street theatre tactics to protest the war. Hoffman and Rubin were two of the “Chicago 7” who were prosecuted for the protests

The prevailing sentiment of anti-Vietnam War protesters.

Protesters listening to speakers at Grant Park, prior to a violent clash between police and protesters.

The Democratic Convention exhibit and many more can be found at the Chicago History Museum, located at 1601 N. Clark Street. They’re closed on Mondays, but are open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30am – 4:30pm and on Sundays from 12-5pm.

Chicago History Museum

July 26, 2023