May 1968 (France)

May 1968 in France was a period of intense social upheaval marked by widespread protests and strikes by students and workers. Originating at universities in Paris, the movement challenged traditional authority, cultural norms, and the government’s policies. It grew rapidly, with millions participating, leading to factory closures and a general strike that nearly paralyzed the country. The protests demanded educational reform, greater personal freedoms, and better working conditions. Eventually, the government cracked down, but the events prompted lasting changes in French society, politics, and culture, symbolizing a powerful challenge to authority and the desire for revolutionary change.