1968 DNC: The riots and politics that took over Chicago

Delegates on the Democratic National Convention floor chant “Stop the war” after a speech by Pierre Salinger, President John F. Kennedy’s press secretary, on Aug. 28, 1968. Salinger urged adoption of the dove plank on the Vietnam War.

(John Austad/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Tribune

April 22, 2014 9:52 AM PT

In the wake of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination and amid protests of the Vietnam War, Democrats came to Chicago for their national convention in August 1968. Inside the convention hall, demonstrations erupted and angry words were traded among attendees. Outside the convention hall, rioting by “hippie” protesters took over Chicago and images of police beating the demonstrators were broadcast around the world.

Delegates lift their placards for Vice President Hubert Humphrey in a premature demonstartion for the presidential nominee in August 1968.

(Val Mazzanga/Chicago Tribune)

The Illinois delegation enters the convention hall floor holding Daley for president signs Aug. 26, 1968, at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

(Val Mazzenga/Chicago Tribune)

The Illinois delegation prays during opening day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 26, 1968.

(Val Mazzenga/Chicago Tribune)

A disturbance on the floor of the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 28, 1968.

(Val Mazzenga/Chicago Tribune)

A Georgia delegate is grabbed by security after he tried to lift one of the state standards on the floor of the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 27, 1968, at the International Amphitheater in Chicago.

(James O’Leary/Chicago Tribune)

People hold signs that say “We love Mayor Daley” on the floor of the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 29, 1968, in Chicago.

(William Yates/Chicago Tribune)

Delegates from New York protest on the floor of the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 26, 1968.

(Tom Kinahan/Chicago Tribune)

The original caption by Tribune photographer Michael Budrys says, “Troops arrive to Grant Park and within minutes virtually replace city police. Hippies remain in park singing spiritual songs by sound of strings. Michigan Ave. blocked to traffic by milling people and newsmen from around the globe.”

(Michael Burdys/Chicago Tribune)

The National Guard confronts anti-war protesters in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention in August 1968.

(Walter Kale/Chicago Tribune)

Lights from a fire truck brighten tear gas clouds and silhouette policemen confronting anti-war protesters in Lincoln Park during the 1968 Democratic National Convention.

(Walter Kale/Chicago Tribune)

Demonstrators opposed to the Vietnam War picket outside the International Amphitheater where the Democratic National Convention is being held Aug. 26, 1968. Police barricades keep the proteters across the street. One-square mile around the amphitheater has been declared a maximum security zone.

(Donald Casper / Chicago Tribune)

A spectator who apparently was struck Aug. 26, 1968, sits on the sidelines during a news conference the following day by the National Mobilization Committee, which called for an end to the war in Vietnam.

(James Mayo / Chicago Tribune)

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1968 DNC: The riots and politics that took over Chicago

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