354: Paris 1968: The Return of De Gaulle

In the second part of their series on the events of 1968, Tom and Dominic broadcast from Paris, continuing their discussion on the May 1968 protests. They delve into de Gaulle's reaction to the student protests and strikes, his initial dismissals, and eventual realization of the gravity of the situation. They discuss his trip to Romania, his famous "dog shat in the bed" remark, and his government's attempts to negotiate with unions, which were initially rejected. As the situation escalates, de Gaulle disappears, leading to panic within the government, but he reappears to deliver a decisive radio address, dissolving Parliament and calling for elections, which shifts public sentiment. The episode concludes with a discussion of the aftermath of the protests, the political fallout, and the long-term cultural impact, particularly in the English-speaking world, with references to philosophers like Foucault and the rise of conservative figures like Roger Scruton.