The Month France Almost Collapsed

In May 1968, a student protest paralyzed France and nearly toppled its government. What started as campus unrest escalated into a massive general strike involving ten million workers, essentially shutting down the entire nation.

This sudden eruption of anger saw universities occupied and factories seized by employees across the country. It brought life to a standstill, leaving the government so desperate that President Charles de Gaulle briefly fled the country to seek military support. While the revolution didn't result in a new regime, it permanently transformed French culture and social norms. The spirit of this revolt continues to influence political activism throughout Europe today.