Battle in Seattle - The People vs the WTO

Tomorrow Battle in Seattle will be playing in select cities. It's based on the 1999 World Trade Organization riots in Seattle, Washington. It signified the first major internet-based revolt against the rising New World Order.

This movie might be a good history lesson.

Trailer:

The '99 Seattle protests were commonly referred to in the popular media as the "Seattle Riots," though in fact they were a highly organized series of nonviolent actions by a diverse array of public interests -- labor unions, religious groups, student organizations, anarchists, environmentalists and national and international nonprofit organizations -- all of whom shared a common enemy, the WTO. The film Battle in Seattle depicts what was in fact a pinnacle moment in the history of social action -- many groups coming together to voice their concerns over globalization and corporate control of trade. This was the first protest primarily organized through cell phones and the internet, giving activists an unprecedented ability to organize on the streets. It took months for organizers to plan the protests, and it is now widely held as the most successful "mass action" to date.

Historic Footage:






Ralph Nader Reflects on his most vivid memories of the protest: