Chicago Convention History

Definition: Chicago has hosted the democratic convention ever since 1860. Chicago was quickly taken off that lists after the encounters between protesters and the police during the 1968 democratic convention. The nation was in a state of turmoil. The ongoing Vietnam War, assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy the country was outraged. Mayor Richard J. Daley was not pleased with the thought of hosting the Convention. The conflicts between Eugene McCarthy and Robert F. Kennedy, even after his death, posed challenging threats on the re-nomination of Lyndon B. Johnsons Presidency. Daley predicted that the convention would become the center of attention for civil rights and anti-war demonstrators, especially with the knowledge
Protestors of The Youth International Party who were civil rights and anti-war demonstrators. They went by the name “Yippies”, an anti-war group that politicized hippie philosophy. They promoted peace in attempt to change by analyzing the United States culture. Inside, delegates struggled to agree and an uproar arose. The democratic party saw the pandemonium of the 1968 Democratic National Convention as a main reason for their loss to Richard Nixon. The historical impact and frustration of the DNC can still be seen around the country today. When the DNC was approaching he promised to enforce peace, and would not allow any absurd protest. Mayor Daley wanted to be prepared. He gathered over 11,000 Chicago Police, over 1,000 army troops, over 7,000 Illinois National guardsmen and over 1,000 secret service for all 5
The initial concern the mayor had become true. The negative impact for the city grew to a massive hatred and Mayor had to do everything in his power to get the Yippies under control. Having immense power Daley’s values arose to an outstanding matter of strength. Him and the police force could no longer witness the hate crime the Yippies were portraying against the United States. With much Chicago pride, Mayor Daley still refused to move the convention elsewhere. He wanted to have the riots exposed to the world and continue his rigid effort to maintain order and keep the Yippies under control.
Loyalties: Mayor Daley persisted on staying loyal to his city and country. He took an oath to protect his citizens any way possible. He did not sympathize to any protestors. He made sure legal action was performed while abiding by law and order. He remained loyal to the citizen not involved in the protest. Having the city’s safety being most important he had to remained loyal and do what was most ethical and logical to keep Chicago