Johns Hopkins University "May 1968" protests collection

Collection

Identifier: MS-0678

Staff Only
No requestable containers

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

Wolinski, 1934-2015 (Person)
Jorn, Asger, 1914-1973 (Person)
Imprimerie Clot, Bramsen et Georges (Organization)
Montfort, Michael (Person)
Johns Hopkins University (Collector, Organization)
Parti Communiste Français (Organization)
Bureau Politique du Parti Communiste Français (Organization)
Comité Fédéral de Meurthe-et-Moselle Sud du Parti Communiste Français (Organization)
Union des Étudiants Communistes de France (Organization)
Union des Jeunesses Communistes de France (Organization)
Comité de soutien aux luttes des travailleurs (Organization)
Comités de Défense de la République (Organization)
Conseil National du Patronat Français (Organization)
Association Nationale pour le Soutien de l'Action du Charles de Gaulle (Organization)
Union Nationale des Étudiants de France (Organization)
Confédération Générale du Travail (Organization)
Communauté Catholique Étudiants de Nancy (Organization)
Association Générale des Étudiants de Nancy (Organization)
Fédération des Associations de Résidents de Nancy (Organization)
Amicale des Étudiants en Lettres (Organization)
Amicale des Étudiants en Droit (Organization)
Amicale des Étudiants en Sciences (Organization)
Étudiants Socialistes Unifiés (Organization)
Union Corporative des Étudiants en Médecine de Nancy (Organization)
Communistes de la Faculté des Sciences de Nancy (Organization)
Groupe de Liaison des Étudiants Marxistes (Organization)
Comité National des Écoles d'Arts (Organization)
Mutuelle Générale des Étudiants Lorrains (Organization)
Organisation de la Culture Étudiante (Organization)
Institut National pour la Formation des Adultes (Organization)
Comité d'Occupation de la Sorbonne (Organization)
Confédération française démocratique du travail (Organization)
Fédération des Étudiants Revolutionnaires (Organization)
Jeunes Revolutionnaires (Organization)
Comité d'Action Ouvriers Étudiants de la Sorbonne (Organization)
Association Nationale des Assistantes Sociales (Organization)
Comité d'Action pour un Gouvernement Populaire et d'Union Democratique (Organization)
Organisation Latino-Américaine de Solidarité (Organization)
Tribune Libre (Organization)
L'hebdomadaire d'Action française (Organization)
Section des Étudiants de la Restauration Nationale (Organization)
Section française de l'Internationale ouvrière (Organization)
Force Ouvriere (Organization)
Comité de Grève Hachette (Organization)
Clert, Iris (Person)
Comité de Coordination de la Région Parisienne (Organization)
Comité Révolutionnaire pour la Défense des Artistes (Organization)

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 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. 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

0.54 Cubic Feet (1 half legal 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)

Additional Description

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

This artificially-assembled collection is organized primarily by creator.

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.011, 2020-21.ms.034, 2020-21-ms-073, 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.