In 1968 , America was divided over the Vietnam War . Due to the growing anti-war movement , President Lyndon B. Johnson announced that he would not run for re-election . Democrat Robert Kennedy , the Presidential hopeful , was assassinated that summer . The Democratic National Convention was held in Chicago where leaders of the anti-war movement planned a protest . During the protest , Chicago Mayor Daley used police force to brutally quell the rally , and as a result , rioting broke out in the streets . One person was killed , hundreds were injured and thousands were arrested . One year later , newly elected President Richard Nixon gave the green light to prosecute eight men who were accused of conspiracy to incite a riot . The FBI brought them to Chicago , where they stood trial . They were known thereafter as The Chicago 8
Democratic National Convention
1968 Democratic National Convention
The Chicago 8