353: Paris 1968: The Students' Revolt

In this episode of "The Rest Is History," Dominic and Tom, sponsored by WISE, delve into the events of May 1968 in Paris, exploring the social and economic context that led to widespread student protests and worker strikes. They discuss the boredom and staid reputation of pre-1968 France, the influence of Charles de Gaulle, and the grim conditions in suburban university annexes like Nanterre. The conversation covers the radicalization of students, the role of figures like Daniel Cohn-Bendit, and the overreaction of university authorities and police, which fueled the initial protests. They analyze the shift from specific student demands to a generalized protest against authority, the emergence of worker strikes driven by both specific grievances and a desire to be heard, and the complex relationship between students and workers. The episode sets the stage for a deeper exploration of de Gaulle's reaction and the legacy of 1968 in the subsequent episode.