Major Events 1968: A Look Back At History

Major Events 1968: A Look Back At History

Introduction

In 1968, the world witnessed significant events that shaped the course of history. From political upheavals to cultural revolutions, this year was marked by several significant happenings that continue to influence our lives to this day. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the major events that occurred in 1968.

Personal Experience

As a child growing up in the late 60s, I vividly remember the impact that the events of 1968 had on our family. My parents were avid followers of the news, and we would often discuss the current events over dinner. I recall the sense of fear and uncertainty that permeated the air during those times, as the world seemed to be in a state of constant flux.

Major Events 1968

Here are some of the significant events that occurred in 1968:

• Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
• Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy
• The Vietnam War
• Protests at the Democratic National Convention
• The Apollo 8 mission

Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

On April 4, 1968, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. This event sparked riots in several cities across the United States and led to a renewed focus on the struggle for racial equality.

Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy

Just two months later, on June 5, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy, a presidential candidate and brother of President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated in Los Angeles. This event further fueled the sense of unrest and turmoil that was prevalent during this time.

The Vietnam War

The Vietnam War was a major event that dominated the headlines during 1968. The Tet Offensive, a surprise attack by the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces, took place in January and marked a turning point in the war. The conflict continued to escalate throughout the year, leading to widespread protests and anti-war demonstrations.

Protests at the Democratic National Convention

The Democratic National Convention, held in Chicago in August 1968, was marred by protests and clashes between police and demonstrators. The protests were fueled by opposition to the Vietnam War and dissatisfaction with the political establishment.

The Apollo 8 mission

On December 21, 1968, the Apollo 8 mission was launched, marking the first time that humans had orbited the moon. This historic event was a significant milestone in the space race and inspired a sense of wonder and awe in people around the world.

Events Table

Question and Answer

Q: What was the significance of the Tet Offensive?

A: The Tet Offensive was a surprise attack by the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces that marked a turning point in the Vietnam War. The attack was significant because it demonstrated that the North Vietnamese were capable of mounting large-scale attacks and undermined the public’s confidence in the government’s handling of the war.

Q: How did the events of 1968 influence the civil rights movement?

A: The assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy galvanized the civil rights movement and led to renewed efforts to achieve racial equality. The protests and demonstrations that followed these events put pressure on the government to take action on civil rights issues.

FAQs

Q: What was the Apollo 8 mission?

A: The Apollo 8 mission was a manned spaceflight that launched on December 21, 1968, and marked the first time that humans had orbited the moon. The mission was significant because it demonstrated the capabilities of the United States’ space program and inspired a sense of wonder and awe in people around the world.

Q: What were the main causes of the protests at the Democratic National Convention?

A: The protests at the Democratic National Convention were fueled by opposition to the Vietnam War and dissatisfaction with the political establishment. Many protesters felt that the government was not doing enough to end the war and that the political system was corrupt and unresponsive to the needs of the people.

Conclusion

1968 was a year of significant events that continue to influence the course of history. From the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy to the Vietnam War and the Apollo 8 mission, this year was marked by moments of both tragedy and triumph. As we look back on these events, we can gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities that shaped our world.