1968 Mexico Student Events: A Unique Revolution Among Others

In the tumultuous year of 1968, student movements gained prominence across different countries, each with its own unique set of challenges and outcomes. While protests in other nations such as the United States and France gained significant attention, it is important to examine the distinct nature of the student events in Mexico City during the same period. The student uprising in Mexico was a unique event that both shared commonalities with and differed significantly from other global student movements of that time.

The Tlatelolco Massacre and Its Impact

The Mexican student movement of 1968, particularly the tragic events at Tlatelolco Plaza on October 2nd, starkly contrasted with the peaceful protest movements in other countries. The government's initial report claimed that the event was a lawful suppression of a violent riot, but historical records reveal a different narrative. On that fateful day, as many as 300 people were killed, and over 1,000 were beaten and arrested. This was in the immediate run-up to the Summer Olympics in Mexico City, emphasizing the government's desire to present a peaceful image to the world.

Context and Political System

The origins of the Mexican student protests began earlier in 1968, inspired largely by the student uprising in France. Unlike the global student movements, which often emerged in democracies or emerging democracies, the protests in Mexico took place in the context of a single-party system, which the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) dominated. This one-party system represented a form of dictatorship, where political dissent was tightly controlled.

The Student Uprising in Mexico City

The student uprising in Mexico City began in July, following the brutal repression of a street fight between rival high school students. This incident acted as a catalyst for further demonstrations, as students from both factions barricaded themselves within a school. The ensuing days saw a dramatic escalation of violence, culminating in the destruction of a historic door using a bazooka. This incident on July 30th, remembered as "el día del bazukazo," highlighted the increasing tension and authority of the government.

Student Demands and Organizing

As the dissent snowballed, the students organized into a more structured movement. On August 5th, organizers circulated a petition with specific demands, including the release of political prisoners, the disbanding of the granaderos (government police force), and the punishment of government officials responsible for repression. These demands were part of a larger push for a more open and democratic government.

The CNH (National Strike Committee) played a central role in organizing the protests. This committee coordinated massive marches on August 13th and 27th, which attracted anywhere from 150,000 to 300,000 participants. These rallies reclaimed public spaces that had been exclusively used by the ruling PRI party. However, the government responded with its own demonstrations, which only served to further highlight the fracture in public support for the regime.

The Turning Point and Aftermath

As the Olympic games drew closer, President Díaz Ordaz made numerous threats to suppress any further civil unrest. Despite these warnings, the student protests continued. On September 13th, a silent march was held, and a fair was organized on the UNAM campus on September 15th. However, on September 18th, the military took over UNAM, leading to clashes with students and residents that lasted three days. This suppression did not quell the student movement, but rather pushed it underground as they began distributing fliers explaining the government's continued repression.

The student protests reached their tragic climax on October 2nd with the Tlatelolco Massacre. The peaceful protest was met with gunfire from military units, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests. The government's portrayal of the event as a violent student uprising further overshadowed the peaceful nature of the protests. This event marked a turning point, as the government cracked down harder, leading to a truce by the CNH in preparation for the Olympic games.

Legacy and Impact

The 1968 student campaign in Mexico did not immediately lead to political change, but it did influence the mindset of the Mexican population. The events at Tlatelolco served as a stark reminder of the government's repressive tactics. While the immediate effects were suppressed, the student demonstrations laid the groundwork for future social discontent and eventual political reforms in Mexico. This unique event, while distinct from the student movements in other countries, played a crucial role in the long-term evolution of Mexican democracy.

The 1968 Mexican student protests stand as a testament to the power of student movements in shaping political landscapes, even in the face of severe repression. The tragedy at Tlatelolco serves as a warning against the use of force to suppress dissent, while the ongoing struggle for democracy highlights the enduring impact of collective action.