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American Experience

The 1970 Riot that Split America

Season 37 Episode 5 | 3m 47s

On May 8, 1970, students protesting the Vietnam War gathered on the steps of New York City's Federal Hall. What happened next revealed America's great divide—and shaped the political and cultural landscape for decades to come.

Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
Extras
Watch • 1:38
American Experience
Trailer | Hard Hat Riot
Watch a preview of Hard Hat Riot.
Preview: S37 E5 | 1:38
Watch • 8:55
American Experience
Chapter 1 | Hard Hat Riot
Watch a preview of Hard Hat Riot.
Preview: S37 E5 | 8:55
Watch • 4:59
American Experience
Who Were the Hard Hats?
At the dawn of the 1970s, blue-collar workers were re-shaping New York City's skyline. But they were
Clip: S37 E5 | 4:59
Watch • 4:13
American Experience
How the Hard Hat Riot Predicted Today's Culture Wars
In December 1969, the United States Selective Service conducted its first draft lottery since World
Clip: S37 E5 | 4:13
Watch • 2:16:40
American Experience
The Presidents: FDR (Part 2)
Part of the award-winning The Presidents collection.
Episode: S7 E2 | 2:16:40
Watch • 4:58
American Experience
The mystery of L.A.’s smog revealed
The major breakthrough in understanding L.A.'s deadly smog came from a surprising place.
Clip: S37 E4 | 4:58
Watch • 4:34
American Experience
Smog on the Big Screen from Blade Runner to Godzilla
How has L.A.'s history of smog shown up on the big screen?
Clip: S37 E4 | 4:34
Watch • 4:57
American Experience
The Secret Hollywood Campaign to Clean L.A'.s Air
When smog issue plagued their city in the mid 20th century, Angelenos got creative.
Clip: S37 E4 | 4:57
Watch • 2:22
American Experience
Trailer | Clearing the Air: The War on Smog
Watch a preview of Clearing the Air: The War on Smog.
Preview: S37 E4 | 2:22
Watch • 8:41
American Experience
Chapter 1 | Clearing the Air: The War on Smog
Watch a preview of Clearing the Air: The War on Smog.
Clip: S37 E4 | 8:41