The Free Speech Movement on the Berkeley campus peaked in 1964. It followed the Loyalty Oath Struggle of the 1950s, during which 68 of UC Berkeley's finest professors and teachers, who refused to sign it, were fired. The community movement to build People’s Park followed immediately after the successful struggle to create ethnic studies programs both at UC Berkeley and at San Francisco State College in the fall of 1968.

People's Park is in Berkeley near the UC campus.

April 20, 1969 - People's Park is created. Hundreds of people clear ground, plant trees, grass, flowers, set up playground equipment. Free food is distributed.

May 15, 1969 - "Bloody Thursday" -- 250 Highway Patrol and Berkeley police officers invade the park at 4:45 a.m. and clear an 8-block area around the site. Construction of perimeter fence begins. After a noontime rally on Sproul Plaza, a crowd of 6000 moves towards the park. Police fire teargas. Protestors throw rocks and bottles. Sheriff Deputies retaliate with double-0 buckshot, blinding one man (Alan Blanchard), mortally wounding another (James Rector). At least 128 people were injured by police.Towards evening, Governor Reagan calls out the National Guard and bans public assemblies.

May 16-28, 1969. Protests continue on a daily basis. National Guards block Sather Gate. A helicopter sprays the campus with CS tear gas. Campus referendum massively endorses the Park. People's Park annexes spring up all over Berkeley. 9000 students protest in Sacramento.