Strike committees were formed and barricades were constructed from street pavement and cars.

May 1 is International Workers’ Day, the day when workers around the world take to the streets in solidarity, demonstrating their defiance to class society. As Lenin wrote, “Marxism cannot be reconciled with nationalism, be it even of the ‘most just,’ ‘purest,’ most refined and civilized brand. In place of all forms of nationalism Marxism advances internationalism.”

This May Day marks the 40th anniversary of the May uprising in France, the first post-war revolution in the Western world.

(Phrases in bold are slogans from France, May, 1968.)

“Be realistic, demand the impossible.”

Most people think that socialism will never happen in America, or any Western country, for that matter. Then again, most people don’t know what the history books leave out, dare I say, intentionally.

“The revolution is unbelievable because it’s real.”

Forty years ago in Paris, student revolts at universities in Nanterre and Sorbonne were put down with police brutality, inciting labor unions to strike in solidarity with the students. During the protests hundreds were arrested, and hundreds more were beaten.

“The boss needs you, you don’t need him.”

When the universities reopened they were occupied by the students, and workers started occupying their factories during the general strike. Strike committees were formed and barricades were constructed from street pavement and cars. The working class became increasingly militant, until some 10 million workers went on strike, bringing the government to its knees.

You can see footage for yourself on YouTube if it sounds too unbelievable.

“Reforms -- chloroform.”

Due to conciliation by the French Communist Party and a general lack of organization and leadership among leftists, the uprising ended in ephemeral compromises. The minimum wage was raised, the workweek shortened, the age of retirement lowered, and President de Gaulle resigned after a referendum on the issue was taken.

“Those who make revolutions by halves do but dig themselves a grave.”

These short-term gains inevitably eroded away in time, after serving their purpose of pacifying the working class and reintegrating them into the capitalist system. To this day, France remains a part of such capitalist institutions as NATO, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

“No replastering, the structure is rotten.”

However, the 2005 civil unrest in France produced the largest riots and clashes with police since May 1968, suggesting that uprisings are not a thing of the past, but will recur so long as the capitalist relations of production remain intact, until finally the working class has the resolve to establish a socialist society.

“Run, comrade, the old world is behind you!”

In 1969, 15 million workers declared strike in the Italian Hot Autumn of 1969. Workers in Italy took it one step further than their French comrades “toward self-organization at the point of production … by the attempt to take the first step toward establishing dual power: the election of “delagati di reparto,” that is, worker management at the factory level.

“A single nonrevolutionary weekend is infinitely more bloody than a month of permanent revolution.”

The Italian government, desperately holding onto power, was responsible for the four bombings in Rome, killing 16 and wounding dozens more. These were then blamed on the communists in order to call a state of emergency and arrest 4,000 activists. The only bloodstained hands during France’s Hot Autumn of May, 1968, and Continuing Revolutionary Process in Portugal following the Carnation Revolution of 1974 were those of the capitalist state apparatus.

“The liberation of humanity will be total or it will not be.”

Revolutionary uprisings in developed countries have a far lower human cost than in underdeveloped countries, a nominal cost considering how many people around the world die each day for want of food, healthcare and basic necessities. These will only be supplied when competition is overcome and a world federation of socialist republics installed in its place.

“Boredom is counterrevolutionary.”

America is an alienated society, from the escapism of reality TV to the phenomenon of “emo” adolescents. When Americans open their eyes to their government’s crimes, they too will launch revolutionary uprisings of their own.

This consciousness is developed further than is generally acknowledged, but it is constrained by lack of organization, as there is no substantial working class party or organization to channel the growing ferment.

“Factories, Universities, Union.”

Our generation has the experience of Civil Rights activists and Vietnam War protesters to learn from and build upon. Following the passive ’80s and ’90s, we are now in a time of upheaval – let’s make the most of it. You haven’t lived until you’ve protested!

> Comments