Kraus, Dorothy

Trade-unionist.

From the description of Oral history interview with Dorothy Kraus, 1978. (Wayne State University, Archives of Labor & Urban). WorldCat record id: 32321610

Months of student unrest in Paris universities culminated in a confrontation between students and police at the Sorbonne on May 3, 1968. The students and their supporters barricaded the Latin Quarter and were immediately beseiged by the police. The conflict spread to provincial universities and by mid May workers began to strike to demonstrate their support of the students. By May 20, 1968 public services had come to a halt and transportation ceased. Radical groups proliferatied in the Latin Quarter, advocating a program of common action between students and workers. On May 30, 1968 Premier De Gaulle addressed the nation, stating that France must choose between his government or chaos. The strike ended, and elections were held in June. De Gaulle's party, L'Union des Democrates pour la Republique (U.D.R.) emerged victorious. Workers were appeased by wage increases and students were placated by promises of drastic university reforms. During the elections of 1974-1979 the Socialist party, which had been greatly weakened by the events of May-June 1968, began to challenge De Gaulle's U.D.R. In September 1977, the Socialist-Communist coalition split, and center-right parties swept the parliamentary elections of 1978.

From the description of French political collection, 1962-1981. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 173863248