James West/Mother Jones
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.)
