The Trial of the Chicago Seven

The Convention.

In August 1968 the Democratic party held its national convention in Chicago. The Vietnam War and the civil rights movement were near their respective climaxes, charging American politics with tremendous ideological intensity. Two groups, the National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam (MOBE) and the Youth International party (Yippies) had been planning since early 1968 to conduct protest demonstrations in Chicago during the convention. Rock concerts were scheduled, parade permits were sought, and other preparations were made by the members of the two organizations. During the event there were repeated clashes among the crowds of protesters and the police and National Guard. Many were injured on both sides, and several protesters were arrested.

The Anti-Riot Act.

Earlier in 1968 a group of conservative senators had added to the Civil Rights Bill of that year a provision which came to be...

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