image

Man injured in a riot, Latin Quarter, Paris, May 1968. Widespread protests and riots by students opposed to the policies of the government of President De Gaulle erupted in Paris in May 1968. Strikes followed across the country and France was gripped by an atmosphere of near revolution. The government seemed on the point of collapse, with De Gaulle forced to go into hiding. On 31st May the president made a radio broadcast to the nation (national television was on strike) announcing the dissolution of the National Assembly, elections on 23rd June and the threat of the imposition of a state of emergency backed by the deployment of military units if the strikes were not called off. The crisis dissipated and De Gaulle emerged triumphant in the elections. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/Keystone Archives)