European 1968 Protest and Activism collection, 1967-1969

Summary Information

At a Glance

Arrangement

• Series I: French materials
• Series II: German materials

Description

Scope and Contents

Contains photographs and ephemera from the May 1968 student uprising in Paris, as well as material from the German 1968 student movement.

• Series I: French materials

• Series II: German materials

Using the Collection

Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Restrictions on Access

You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.

This collection is located on-site.

This collection has no restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Single reproductions may be made for research purposes. It is the responsibility of the user to secure permission for publication or use from the appropriate copyright holder.

Preferred Citation

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); European 1968 Protest and Activism collection; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Method of acquisition--Purchase; Date of acquisition--January 2017.

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Processing Information

Lightly processed based on dealer description by Kevin Schlottmann, March 2022.

Subject Headings

The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches at Columbia University through the Archival Collections Portal and through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, as well as ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.

All links open new windows.

Genre/Form

Subject

History / Biographical Note

Biographical / Historical

The events of May 1968 in France consisted of large-scale demonstrations, massive general wildcat strikes, and the occupation of universities and factories throughout the country. Students protested against capitalism, consumerism, and traditional values. At the peak of the movement, over 10 million workers were involved, paralyzing the nation and nearly bringing down one of the world's largest free-market economies. By late June, elections were held and a right-wing party won in an overwhelming majority, and the violence evaporated almost as quickly as it had begun.