This study investigates the motivations, experiences, and reflections of European youth activists during the pivotal year of 1968. Drawing on extensive oral histories from nearly 500 former activists across fourteen countries, the book explores how these individuals were drawn into activism, their collaborative struggles, and their integration of political and personal lives. The authors examine the complex legacy of these years, including themes of generational revolt, the meaning of revolution, transnational connections, faith and radicalism, and the role of gender and sexuality. The research spans diverse European landscapes, from Spain to the Soviet Union, offering new perspectives on movements that both unified and divided a generation.

This ambitious study is positioned as a significant contribution to both oral history and memory studies, offering a unique perspective by centering the voices of the activists themselves. The research spans a wide geographical area of Europe, promising to shed new light on the diverse experiences and motivations of young people involved in activism during 1968. By drawing on nearly 500 oral histories, the book provides a rich and detailed account of the personal and political dimensions of this transformative period. The thematic exploration suggests a nuanced understanding of the complexities and legacies of the era.