Student Revolt of May 1968

In May 1968, frustrated by racism and sexism, by an outdated curriculum, and by the threat of a reduction in the number of students allowed to matriculate, university students seized the Sorbonne. Barricades were set up in the Latin Quarter and the student revolt was to continue for several weeks. Police finally used tear gas and physical force to storm the barricades, while students fought back by lighting cars on fire and throwing home-made explosives. No one was killed, although hundreds of police officers were wounded in the fighting. Industrial workers in the provinces went on strike in support of the students, paralyzing the country. Tanks and commando units were finally brought into the city in the event of a Communist insurrection.