Generation of 1968

The year 1968 was full of events all over Europe. Protests, various movements were common that

year – young people got together and tried to make a change.

The cause of the events were similar in all countries. The people were tired of the old political and school systems, they were against the Vietnam war and the part the US had in it and they wanted equality and freedom. The way people tried to make a change inthe different countries was also quite similar. They demonstrated, protested, held strikes and in some

countries people were killed.

The events that occured in different countries were not the same. In Spain, Poland, and

Estonia people could not be agressive sincethe government controlled their actions.

In many other countries, like Italy and France, the government tried to control the people,

but it did not succeed.

In Poland the situation was different

• The string of events was taking off with a play called „Dziady“

• Communists were blocking all information

• Authorities never paid attention to protests

• All events were covered up from society and later authorities put all blame on Jews

Similarities

• Student movements

• Similar goals: freedom, equality, human rights

• Poland and Estonia - wanted to keep their independence

• Music had a big impact - for example Raimonin Spain, Gustav Ernesaks in Estonia, FabrizioDe Andre in Italy. Famous song all over world-The times they are a-changin by Bob Dylan.

http://jordifornas.blogspot.com/

http://uuseesti.ee/7041

http://allwhistlingsongs.blogspot.com/2009/11/il-pescatore-fabrizio-de-andre.html --->

• Sweden and Estonia- government house building projects. Sweden- a million program.Estonia- building houses for civilians in thename of freedom and progress.

• Sweden, France, Germany - flower power, hippies.

• The protest also took form in different writings.

http://www.popmatters.com/feature/flower-power-stepping-back-from-the-past/

Differences

Every country had its own aim

• Estonia and Poland wanted to keep their independence

• Germany fought against racism

• France, Sweden and Italy were trying toachieve equal rights in society

• Italy and Spain were fighting against authority, Sweden was not pleased with its politicalsystem

Conclusion

• It is known as the optimistic period in Estonia, Sweden, Italy, France and Germany wherepeople started to achieve their goals step bystep

• In Poland and Spain things stayed the same

http://www.saveamericascinemas.org/?p=21 http://www.rgbstock.com/photo/mhGuwsQ/3+friends+1

Thank you for your attention !