365 Days of Occupy Wall Street—an Anniversary Timeline

James West/Mother Jones

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One year ago today, a group of protesters set up camp in Zuccotti Park, a privately owned parcel in New York City, in a protest against America’s political and financial system. The protest grew, and spread to other cities around the nation—overseas as well. In the end, it would profoundly affect the national zeitgeist, bringing to the fore the plight of the middle class, the excesses of capitalism, and the stunning growth in the gap between the very rich and the rest of us (as summed up by these viral charts compiled by MoJo senior editor Dave Gilson). Mother Jones staffers and fellows (most notably Josh Harkinson, Andy Kroll, Gavin Aronsen, and James West) were chronicling the excitement from early on. Here are some of the highlights of a movement that—while it was never quite able to revive itself after the police and winter weather drove protesters inside—has had a lasting impact on the nation. (Also read Harkinson’s new piece today, in which he tracks down five people he met at Zuccotti Park to see where they’re at now.)

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BEFORE YOU CLICK AWAY!

“Lying.” “Disgusting.” “Scum.” “Slime.” “Corrupt.” “Enemy of the people.” Donald Trump has always made clear what he thinks of journalists. And it’s plain now that his administration intends to do everything it can to stop journalists from reporting things they don’t like—which is most things that are true.

No one gets to tell Mother Jones what to publish or not publish, because no one owns our fiercely independent newsroom. But that also means we need to directly raise the resources it takes to keep our journalism alive. There’s only one way for that to happen, and it’s readers like you stepping up. Please help with a donation today if you can—even a few bucks will make a real difference. A monthly gift would be incredible.

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