The Tumultuous Events of 1968: De Gaulle's Referendum and Paris in Flames

Name: The Tumultuous Events of 1968: De Gaulle's Referendum and Paris in Flames
Start: 1890-05-24
Location: Unspecified

De Gaulle's Referendum Proposal

In 1968, Charles De Gaulle, the President of France, found himself at a political crossroads as he faced increasing unrest among the French populace. The backdrop of his proposed referendum was marked by widespread discontent over economic, educational, and cultural issues. As students and workers clamored for reforms, De Gaulle decided to hold a national referendum to garner support for his government’s policies and proposed reforms.

Charles De Gaulle's Decision

On April 25, 1968, De Gaulle announced a referendum to vote on various proposals aimed at decentralizing governmental power and reforming the education system. This was his attempt to unify a country that seemed increasingly divided. However, many viewed this as a move to strengthen his own position rather than addressing the real demands of the protesters.

Public Reaction to the Referendum

The announcement of the referendum only intensified the protests that were sweeping across France. As dissent grew louder, De Gaulle's political future became uncertain, and the referendum became a flashpoint for the revolutionary fervor that characterized the era.

Students and the Paris Bourse

Simultaneously, the streets of Paris became battlegrounds, with students leading the charge against the establishment. On May 10, 1968, students set fire to the Paris bourse, representing their rejection of the old structures and their demands for radical change. This event became one of the most iconic symbols of the student uprising.

The Significance of the Paris Bourse Fire

The fire at the Paris bourse was not just a stunt or an act of vandalism; it symbolized the destruction of the old order and the aspiration for a new society. The Bourse, as a center of economic power, became a target as students expressed their frustrations over educational limitations and lack of cooperation from the authorities.

Impact of Student Protests

The protests escalated out of control, leading to a month of strikes and disruptions that brought French society to a standstill. The passion of the students inspired workers to join their cause, demonstrating the interconnectedness of the struggles across societal lines. The events of May 1968 showed how powerful collective action could be in challenging existing power structures.

Fun Fact

De Gaulle and His Resilience

Interestingly, despite the chaos of 1968, Charles De Gaulle proved to be a tough political player. He survived the turmoil of the student riots and the referendum, eventually being re-elected in 1969, demonstrating his resilience in the face of adversity.