Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Today in History: Democratic Convention Triggers Four-Day Chicago Protest Clashes

8/26/2026

29 3

Summary

Story summary

On August 26 1968 the Democratic National Convention opened at Chicago’s International Amphitheatre. With President Lyndon Johnson out of the race, delegates nominated Hubert Humphrey for president and Edmund Muskie for vice president. Simultaneously, 7,000-10,000 anti-Vietnam protesters clashed with police for four days, marking a violent peak of the era’s anti-war movement.

1 of 1

Story summary

On August 26 1968 the Democratic National Convention opened at Chicago’s International Amphitheatre. With President Lyndon Johnson out of the race, delegates nominated Hubert Humphrey for president and Edmund Muskie for vice president. Simultaneously, 7,000-10,000 anti-Vietnam protesters clashed with police for four days, marking a violent peak of the era’s anti-war movement.