The "Chicago Eight" refers to a group of anti-Vietnam War activists who were charged with conspiracy and inciting riots during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The group included notable figures such as Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Tom Hayden, and David Dellinger. Their protests aimed to challenge the political establishment and draw attention to the ongoing war. The trial of the Chicago Eight became a significant event in American history, highlighting issues of free speech, civil disobedience, and the government's response to dissent. The proceedings were marked by chaos and controversy, ultimately leading to the trial's transformation into a symbol of the broader counterculture movement of the 1960s.