40 Facts About The Weathermen

Who Were The Weathermen?

The Weathermen, also known as the Weather Underground Organization (WUO), were a radical left-wing group active in the late 1960s and 1970s. They aimed to overthrow the U.S. government and end the Vietnam War through direct action and militant tactics.

1. 01The Weathermen emerged from the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), a prominent student activist group in the 1960s.
2. 02Their name was inspired by a line from Bob Dylan's song "Subterranean Homesick Blues": "You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows."
3. 03The group officially formed in 1969 after the SDS National Convention in Chicago.
4. 04They believed in the necessity of violent revolution to achieve their political goals.
5. 05The Weathermen were heavily influenced by Marxist and anti-imperialist ideologies.
6. 06They were involved in several high-profile bombings, including the U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon, and police stations.
7. 07The group operated underground, with members using fake identities and safe houses to avoid capture.
8. 08The Weathermen's first public action was the "Days of Rage" in Chicago in October 1969, which resulted in numerous arrests and injuries.
9. 09They published a manifesto titled "Prairie Fire: The Politics of Revolutionary Anti-Imperialism" in 1974, outlining their beliefs and strategies.
10. 10The FBI considered the Weathermen one of the most dangerous domestic terrorist groups in the U.S. during their active years.

Key Events and Actions

The Weathermen were known for their dramatic and often violent actions, which they believed were necessary to bring about social change.

11. 11In March 1970, a bomb intended for a U.S. Army base accidentally exploded in a Greenwich Village townhouse, killing three members.
12. 12Following the townhouse explosion, the group went fully underground, adopting the name Weather Underground Organization.
13. 13They claimed responsibility for the bombing of the U.S. Capitol in March 1971, protesting the U.S. invasion of Laos.
14. 14In May 1972, they bombed the Pentagon in retaliation for the U.S. bombing of Hanoi.
15. 15The Weathermen also targeted corporate offices, including the New York City headquarters of IBM.
16. 16They coordinated with other radical groups, such as the Black Panther Party and the Young Lords.
17. 17The group issued communiqués to explain their actions and political motivations.
18. 18They were involved in the jailbreak of Timothy Leary, a counterculture icon, in 1970.
19. 19The Weathermen's bombings were designed to avoid human casualties, often preceded by warnings to evacuate.
20. 20Despite their efforts to avoid casualties, some of their actions resulted in injuries and deaths.

Decline and Legacy

By the mid-1970s, the Weathermen's influence began to wane, but their impact on American politics and culture remains significant.

21. 21Internal disagreements and external pressures led to the group's decline.
22. 22Many members turned themselves in or were captured by law enforcement in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
23. 23Some former members, like Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn, became respected academics and activists.
24. 24The Weathermen's actions sparked debates about the ethics and effectiveness of violent protest.
25. 25Their story has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films.
26. 26The group's activities led to increased FBI surveillance and the expansion of counterterrorism efforts.
27. 27The Weathermen's tactics influenced later radical groups, both in the U.S. and abroad.
28. 28They are often cited in discussions about domestic terrorism and political extremism.
29. 29The Weather Underground's legacy is complex, with some viewing them as freedom fighters and others as terrorists.
30. 30Their actions continue to be studied as part of the broader history of the 1960s and 1970s social movements.

Notable Members

The Weathermen included several prominent figures who played key roles in the group's activities and later became well-known in other fields.

31. 31Bill Ayers, a co-founder, later became a professor of education at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
32. 32Bernardine Dohrn, another co-founder, became a law professor and children's rights advocate.
33. 33Mark Rudd, a leader during the "Days of Rage," later became a community college instructor and author.
34. 34Kathy Boudin, involved in the Brink's robbery, served time in prison and later worked as an adjunct professor at Columbia University.
35. 35David Gilbert, also involved in the Brink's robbery, remains incarcerated.
36. 36Jeff Jones, a key strategist, became an environmental consultant.
37. 37Naomi Jaffe, involved in several bombings, later worked in social services.
38. 38Ted Gold, one of the members killed in the townhouse explosion, was a prominent activist in the SDS.
39. 39Diana Oughton, also killed in the townhouse explosion, was deeply committed to the group's cause.
40. 40John Jacobs, known as "JJ," was a charismatic leader who helped shape the group's militant philosophy.

Final Thoughts on The Weathermen

The Weathermen, also known as the Weather Underground, left a significant mark on American history. Their radical actions and controversial methods aimed to protest the Vietnam War and fight for social justice. Despite their intentions, their violent tactics often overshadowed their message. Understanding their motivations and the context of the 1960s and 1970s helps us grasp why they chose such extreme measures.

Their story serves as a reminder of the complexities of social movements and the lengths some will go to for their beliefs. While their legacy is mixed, the Weathermen's impact on activism and political discourse can't be ignored. Reflecting on their actions and the era they operated in provides valuable insights into the challenges and consequences of radical activism.