Echoes of Change: The Top Protests in History
Protests are a tool the public uses to express disapproval of an action. Historically, protests have held governments accountable and changed unjust laws. Sometimes, they fail to achieve their objectives but inspire society and other demonstrations around the globe. Here are some of the top protests in history:
Earth Day (1970)
Earth Day was held in 1970 in response to oil spill damage. The anti-war protest held by Democrat Senator Gaylord Nelson aimed to fight for a healthier environment. Over 20 million people participated in the demonstrations across the United States on April 22, the designated Earth Day. Gatherings were peaceful and symbolized by a flower and gas mask. The exercise triggered legislative changes to provide clean water and protect endangered species. Since Earth Day's first protest, it has continued to run annually.
France in May (1968)
The protests in France in 1968 brought the country to a standstill. Over the past few weeks, the country hovered over an unclear revolution. Students organized small-scale protests to ban the sharing of beds on the Nanterre Campus and oppose the Vietnam War. The bed-sharing ban led to the closure of the campus in May 1968. The protests continued and moved to the Sorbonne, forcing the riot police to intervene.
On May 10, protesters marched at night and ripped up cobblestones. The night was filled with violence as the police attempted to neutralize the crowd with teargas. Most members of the public sympathized with the students involved in the protests.
Over time, unions organized wildcat strikes. Workers demonstrated for increased liberalism and better wages. Overwhelmed, President Charles de Gaulle left the country and returned on May 30 to give a radio address. During this time, his supporters marched through Paris.
The Salt March (1930)
The Salt March was a campaign to offer people a chance to defy British rule in India. It began on March 12, 1930, with Mohandas Gandhi marching from his Sabarmati Ashram home to Dandi. His activities on the Arabian Sea coast involved making salt, which the British termed illegal for Indians.
Gandhi's crew members had increased significantly by the time they reached Dandi. The group copied his salt-making activities, which caused many of them to be arrested by the end of April. Authorities used lethal force to suppress the public protests. Gandhi planned a raid in a salt works, which caused his detention on May 5. He was to remain in prison until January 31, but his campaign gained global prominence, leading to his release.
Coxey's Army (1894)
During the 1894 depression in the United States, Carl Browne and Jacob Coxey wanted the government to provide jobs. They led a group named Coxey's Army to Washington, D.C., to ask for help. The media and politicians labelled the group as dangerous, and speeches and protests became illegalized. Coxey was arrested and prevented from giving a speech at the Capitol building. The protests seemed to bear no fruits, and protestors had to leave when the Virginia Militia burned down their camp. Fifty years later, Coxey's march became famous, and he was invited to finish his speech at the capitol.
Civil Rights Movement Marches in Alabama
Civil Rights Movement marches demanded equal rights for Black Americans. In May 1963, black schoolkids marched for civil rights at the Children's Crusade. Police attacked them, and this infuriated various individuals across the country. President John F. Kennedy eventually spoke up for civil rights, ending segregation in Birmingham businesses. In March 1965, activists organized a march to Montgomery to fight for voting rights. They were beaten by police at Edmund Pettus Bridge, and their TV footage prompted President Lyndon B. Johnson to promise a voting rights bill.
Conclusion
Top protests in world history have significantly contributed to advocating for changes. Activists understood how radical movements could convey messages to leadership figures. Modern protests continue to borrow tactics from past revolutions to fight for rights and freedoms.