Radicalization of the youth and student movements during the late 1960s.

Weather Underground #

Tell me about “Weather Underground Organization”? #

The Weather Underground, originally known as the Weathermen, was a radical left-wing militant organization active in the United States during the late 1960s and 1970s. Emerging from the countercultural upheavals and the anti-Vietnam War movement, it was originally a faction within the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS).

The group’s founders, including Bill Ayers, Bernardine Dohrn, and others, aimed to overthrow the U.S. government, which they viewed as imperialist and oppressive.The Weather Underground employed violent means, such as bombings, jailbreaks, and riots, aiming to incite a revolution among the American people. Their targets often included government buildings and symbols of American imperialism.

Despite their radical approach, there were explicit efforts to avoid human casualties. Their activities culminated in several high-profile incidents, such as the bombing of the U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon, and several police departments.By the late 1970s, the fervor that fueled the group’s activities had significantly waned, leading to its eventual disbandment. Members either went underground, were arrested, or reintegrated into society, with some facing legal consequences later on.

How did the name come about? #

The Weather Underground derived its name from Bob Dylan’s lyric “You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows,” from the song “Subterranean Homesick Blues.” The name symbolized the group’s intent to represent the forecast of change, suggesting a radical shift in societal and political climate. It emphasized their commitment to underground, covert operations against what they considered an oppressive government structure.

The use of “Underground” in both names signifies a departure from mainstream values—artistic and political, respectively. It invokes a sense of subversion and a distancing from the established norms of their times. Although they operated in parallel domains (cultural and political), there’s no indication that the band’s name was in any way a reference to or inspired by the militant group. The convergence in nomenclature instead highlights a common desire to challenge and redefine societal boundaries, typical of the era’s revolutionary ethos.

Did Weather Underground have any links with European ultra-left groups such as Brigate Rose, or Baden Meinhof? #

The Weather Underground Organization (WUO) shared ideological similarities and revolutionary inspirations with European ultra-left groups like the Red Brigades (Brigate Rosse) in Italy and the Red Army Faction (RAF), also known as the Baader-Meinhof Group, in Germany. All of these groups emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s and were driven by anti-imperialist, anti-capitalist ideologies and a strong opposition to their respective government policies, which they perceived as oppressive or imperialist in nature.

However, direct operational links or formal alliances between the Weather Underground and these European groups were not established. The interactions, if any, were largely inspirational and ideological. These organizations watched one another’s activities and sometimes drew tactical or ideological inspiration, but they operated within their distinct national contexts and had specific local grievances and goals.

Ideological Inspiration #

The Weather Underground, like the European groups, was influenced by Marxist-Leninist theory and the global revolutionary movements of the time, including the Vietnamese struggle against American forces. This ideological underpinning suggested a shared global narrative of revolution, which transcended national boundaries.

Tactics and Strategies #

Both the Weather Underground and the European groups utilized urban guerrilla warfare tactics, which included bombings, kidnappings, and bank robberies, intended to destabilize the capitalist state and inspire broader revolutionary movements among the populace. Despite these tactical similarities, there was no evidence of direct tactical coordination or joint operations.

Communications and Manifestos #

They often issued manifestos that were circulated internationally, creating a dialogic influence across radical groups globally. These manifestos helped in shaping a collective identity among leftist radical groups and in articulating their shared ideological positions against global capitalism and imperialism. While the Weather Underground was aware of and possibly inspired by the actions of groups like the Red Brigades and the Red Army Faction, their direct interaction was limited by geographical and operational constraints. The primary focus for each group remained deeply national, dealing with their respective domestic political climates and social issues.

What were the main points of the WUO manifesto? #

The Weather Underground Organization (WUO) issued its manifesto titled “You Don’t Need a Weatherman to Know Which Way the Wind Blows” in 1969. This document was primarily an ideological statement and a strategic plan that aimed to outline the reasons for their formation and the methods they would use to achieve their objectives. Here are the main points of the manifesto:

Revolutionary Positioning and Purpose #

The manifesto declared the necessity of revolution in the United States, viewing the American government as imperialistic and oppressive. The WUO positioned itself as a militant force dedicated to the overthrow of the U.S. government, which they believed was engaged in criminal, racist, and imperialist endeavors, particularly highlighted by the Vietnam War.

Solidarity with Global Struggles #

The manifesto expressed solidarity with national liberation movements worldwide, particularly those in Vietnam, Cuba, and other Third World countries. It emphasized the idea of a global struggle against imperialism and capitalism, positioning the WUO as part of an international revolutionary front.

Youth and Student Mobilization #

The manifesto identified youth and students as vital forces in the revolutionary struggle, capable of awakening more significant sections of the society. It highlighted the importance of mobilizing these groups, which were seen as possessing revolutionary potential due to their size, energy, and strategic position in society.

Critique of Traditional Left Strategies #

The Weathermen criticized traditional leftist strategies that relied on peaceful protest and gradual change. They argued that such methods were ineffective and called for direct action and armed struggle as necessary means to achieve revolutionary goals. This critique extended to existing leftist organizations, which they felt were complicit with the status quo.

Role of Armed Struggle #

The manifesto advocated for guerrilla warfare and violent action as essential strategies. It asserted that traditional forms of protest had failed to bring about substantial change and that more assertive actions were required to disrupt and dismantle the capitalist system.

Racial Justice #

Racial injustice in the United States, especially against African Americans, was a significant theme. The WUO supported the Black liberation movement and saw the struggle for racial justice as integral to the broader revolutionary movement.

Counter-Culture Alignment #

The manifesto also reflected the broader counter-culture of the 1960s, which embraced anti-authoritarianism and a desire to create a new society fundamentally different from the existing one. This was expressed through a rejection of traditional values and an embrace of new cultural and social norms. The manifesto of the Weather Underground articulated a comprehensive critique of American society and a detailed vision of revolutionary change. It exemplified the radicalization of certain segments of the youth and student movements during the late 1960s, encapsulating a profound disillusionment with the American government and a fervent hope for a radically different future.

Were there any notable direct actions WUO undertook? #

The Weather Underground Organization (WUO) was known for its series of high-profile, symbolic acts of sabotage and bombings, which they conducted as direct actions against what they considered symbols of American imperialism and oppression. These acts were carefully orchestrated to avoid loss of human life, with warnings typically issued beforehand. Here are some of the most notable direct actions undertaken by the WUO:

Haymarket Police Statue Bombing (1970) #

In Chicago, a statue commemorating police casualties in the 1886 Haymarket Riot was bombed. This was one of the first bombings attributed to the Weather Underground, symbolically linking their contemporary struggle with historical labor movements.

New York City Police Headquarters Bombing (1970) #

The WUO bombed the New York City Police Headquarters in response to what they viewed as police brutality, particularly against African Americans and political activists. The bombing caused significant damage but no injuries, as a warning was given ahead of time.

Greenwich Village Townhouse Explosion (1970) #

A premature explosion in a Greenwich Village townhouse meant to serve as a bomb factory resulted in the deaths of three WUO members. This incident exposed the risks of their tactics and forced the group further underground.

The Pentagon Bombing (1972) #

The Weather Underground claimed responsibility for setting off a bomb in a women’s restroom in the Pentagon. This act was in protest against the U.S. bombing in Hanoi during the Vietnam War. The explosion caused considerable damage but no injuries, following a prior warning by the group.

U.S. Capitol Bombing (1971) #

The group bombed the U.S. Capitol to protest the U.S. invasion of Laos. As with other bombings, they called in a warning, resulting in no casualties. The bomb caused damage to the Capitol building but was intended more as a symbolic act of defiance.

Banks and Corporate Offices (1973-1975) #

During the early 1970s, the WUO targeted banks and corporate offices with bombings to protest various aspects of U.S. domestic and foreign policy, including support for repressive regimes abroad and economic injustice at home.

California Department of Corrections (1975) #

The WUO bombed the office of the California Department of Corrections in Sacramento in retaliation for the killing of inmate and revolutionary author George Jackson by prison guards during an escape attempt from San Quentin Prison.

These actions were part of the Weather Underground’s campaign to “Bring the War Home,” making Americans directly confront the violence that they perceived was being committed in their name abroad. Each action carried a political message aimed at disrupting the normal functioning of institutions the group considered complicit in war and racism. Their activities sparked intense debates about the limits of protest and the use of violence as a political tool.