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Johns Hopkins University "May 1968" protests collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS-0678

Scope and Contents

This is an artificially assembled collection with materials selected by the curators of Special Collections, containing political posters, leaflets, tracts, and photographs documenting the French student protests in and around May 1968.

Dates

  • Creation: 1968

Creator

Language of Materials

The text materials in this collection were produced in French. Only some materials have been translated into English and noted in the finding aid.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is housed off-site and requires 48-hours' notice for retrieval. Contact Special Collections for more information.

Conditions Governing Use

Single copies may be made for research purposes. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions. It is not necessary to seek our permission as the owner of the physical work to publish or otherwise use public domain materials that we have made available for use, unless Johns Hopkins University holds the copyright.

Biographical / Historical

The volatile period of civil unrest in France during May 1968 was punctuated by demonstrations and massive general strikes as well as the occupation of universities and factories across France. At the height of its fervor, it virtually brought the entire advanced capitalist economy of France to a dramatic halt. The protests reached such a point that political leaders feared civil war or revolution; the national government itself momentarily ceased to function after President Charles de Gaulle secretly left France for a few hours. Although the events sometimes turned violent, they also had artistic and festive aspects with numerous quasi-improvised debates and assemblies, songs, imaginative graffitis, posters and slogans. "May 68" had a resounding impact on French society that would be felt for decades to come. It is considered to this day as a cultural, social and moral turning point in the history of the country.

Source: "May 1968 events in France," Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_1968_events_in_France, accessed April 2015.

Extent

0.49 Cubic Feet (1 half letter size document box, 1 flat box (15 x 11.5 x 3 inches), 1 flat box (21 x 17 x 1.5 inches), 22 posters)

Abstract

The volatile period of civil unrest in France during May 1968 was punctuated by demonstrations and massive general strikes as well as the occupation of universities and factories across France. At the height of its fervor, it virtually brought the entire advanced capitalist economy of France to a dramatic halt. This artificially-created collection contains posters, protest leaflets, tracts, and photographs from these student protests in May 1968.

Arrangement

The artificially-assembled collection is organized primarily by acquisition.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Items from accessions 2014-15.MS.034 and 2014-15.MS.061 were purchased from LarsiArt, Ltd. in 2014 and 2015. See series descriptions for any additional information regarding other acquisitions.

Accruals

Accession: 2014-15.MS.034, 2014-15.MS.061, 2016-17.MS.039, 2016-17.MS.036, 2016-17.MS.050, 2020-21.ms.034, 2023-24.ms.0678_001

Related Materials

MS.0743: Italian press photographs of the "Years of Lead" protests, 1969-1982

Processing Information

Processed by Jordon Steele, April 2015. Additional processing by Annie Tang, November 2015-February 2017, Kristen Diehl in April 2017, and Jenelle Clark in November 2023 and January 2024.

Title
Guide to the Johns Hopkins University "May 1968" protests collection
Author
Annie Tang
Date
February 2017
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Repository

Contact:
The Sheridan Libraries
Special Collections
3400 N Charles St
Baltimore MD 21218 USA