The year 1968 was a year like no other—a whirlwind of dramatic events that forever changed the course of history. From political upheavals to cultural revolutions, 1968 was a year filled with extraordinary moments that still resonate today. Here are some of the most astonishing and impactful events of 1968 that you won't believe happened in just one year.
1. The Tet Offensive
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One of the most shocking events of 1968 was the Tet Offensive, a massive and coordinated series of attacks by the North Vietnamese Army and the Viet Cong against South Vietnam and its allies, including the United States. Launched on January 30, during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday, the offensive caught the South Vietnamese and American forces by surprise.
The attacks targeted over 100 cities and towns, including the capital, Saigon, and the former capital, Hue. The scale and intensity of the offensive stunned the world and marked a significant turning point in the Vietnam War. Despite eventually repelling the attacks, the United States and South Vietnamese forces suffered heavy casualties, and the offensive exposed the vulnerability of the South Vietnamese government.
The Tet Offensive had a profound impact on American public opinion. Media coverage of the fierce fighting and high casualties led to growing anti-war sentiment in the United States, further eroding support for the war and contributing to President Lyndon B. Johnson's decision not to seek re-election.
2. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Assassination
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The civil rights movement suffered a devastating blow on April 4, 1968, when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. King was in Memphis to support striking sanitation workers when he was shot and killed on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel by James Earl Ray, a fugitive with a criminal record.
King's assassination sent shockwaves through the nation, sparking riots and unrest in over 100 cities. The violent response underscored the deep racial tensions and inequalities that King had dedicated his life to addressing. His death also galvanized the civil rights movement, leading to the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which aimed to eliminate discrimination in housing.
Dr. King's legacy as a champion of nonviolent resistance and equality continues to inspire generations. His assassination remains one of the most tragic and pivotal moments in American history.
3. Robert F. Kennedy's Assassination
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| Photo: Courtesy of The Times |
Just two months after Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, another American leader was struck down by violence. On June 5, 1968, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, a Democratic presidential candidate, was assassinated in Los Angeles. Kennedy had just delivered a victory speech after winning the California primary when he was shot by Sirhan Sirhan, a Palestinian Arab with anti-Zionist motives.
RFK, as he was popularly known, was a charismatic and progressive politician who had built a coalition of minority, working-class, and young voters. His campaign focused on social justice, civil rights, and opposition to the Vietnam War, echoing the themes of his late brother, President John F. Kennedy.
Kennedy's assassination dealt another devastating blow to a nation already reeling from violence and social upheaval. His death marked the end of an era of hope and idealism for many Americans, and his legacy as a champion for the disadvantaged and disenfranchised endures.
4. The Prague Spring
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In Czechoslovakia, 1968 saw the emergence of the Prague Spring, a period of political liberalization and reform that challenged the rigid Soviet control over Eastern Europe. Led by Alexander Dubček, the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, the movement sought to create "socialism with a human face" by introducing democratic reforms, freedom of the press, and economic modernization.
The Prague Spring began in January and quickly gained momentum, with widespread public support and enthusiasm for the changes. However, the Soviet Union and other Warsaw Pact countries viewed the reforms as a threat to their control and to the stability of the Eastern Bloc.
On August 20-21, 1968, Soviet-led forces invaded Czechoslovakia to crush the reform movement. The invasion resulted in the occupation of the country, the removal of Dubček from power, and the rollback of the reforms. The Prague Spring was brutally suppressed, but it left a lasting legacy of resistance and hope for future generations in Eastern Europe.
5. The Democratic National Convention Protests
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| Photo: Courtesy of politico.com |
The Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August 1968 became a flashpoint for political and social conflict. As the Democratic Party gathered to nominate its presidential candidate, tens of thousands of protesters descended on the city to demonstrate against the Vietnam War and demand social justice.
The protests were met with a heavy-handed response from the Chicago police and National Guard. Violent clashes erupted between demonstrators and law enforcement, resulting in numerous injuries and arrests. The chaos and brutality were broadcast live on television, shocking the nation and further polarizing public opinion.
The events at the convention highlighted the deep divisions within the Democratic Party and the country at large. The party eventually nominated Vice President Hubert Humphrey, but the turmoil and violence of the convention contributed to his loss in the general election to Republican candidate Richard Nixon.
6. Apollo 8: A Journey Around the Moon
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Amidst the turmoil and tragedy of 1968, one event stood out as a beacon of hope and human achievement. On December 21, NASA launched Apollo 8, the first manned mission to orbit the Moon. Astronauts Frank Borman, James Lovell, and William Anders made history as they became the first humans to leave Earth's orbit, travel to the Moon, and return safely.
Apollo 8's mission was critical in the lead-up to the first Moon landing, testing the spacecraft, navigation, and communication systems required for future lunar missions. The mission's most iconic moment came on Christmas Eve, when the astronauts broadcast live from lunar orbit, reading from the Book of Genesis and showing stunning images of the Earth rising over the Moon's horizon.
The "Earthrise" photograph taken by William Anders became one of the most famous and influential images in history, symbolizing the fragility and unity of our planet. Apollo 8's success paved the way for the Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969 and remains a milestone in space exploration.
7. Student Protests and Social Movements
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1968 was a year of global student protests and social movements, as young people around the world demanded change and challenged the status quo. In Paris, students took to the streets in May, sparking a series of demonstrations and strikes that brought the country to a standstill. The protests, fueled by demands for educational reform and opposition to capitalism and traditional institutions, eventually led to widespread social and political changes in France.
In the United States, the anti-Vietnam War movement reached new heights, with protests on college campuses and cities across the country. The Columbia University protests in April saw students occupy buildings in opposition to the university's ties to military research and its plans to build a segregated gymnasium in a public park. The protests resulted in violent clashes with police and drew national attention to the issues of civil rights and the war.
Similar movements erupted in Mexico, Japan, Italy, and West Germany, as students and activists rallied against authoritarianism, inequality, and imperialism. The global wave of protests in 1968 marked a significant shift in the cultural and political landscape, empowering a generation to challenge established norms and advocate for a more just and equitable world.
8. The Cultural Revolution in China
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The Cultural Revolution in China, initiated by Mao Zedong in 1966, reached its peak in 1968. This sociopolitical movement aimed to preserve Chinese communism by purging remnants of capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society. It led to widespread chaos, the persecution of millions, and the destruction of cultural heritage.
In 1968, the Red Guards, radical youth militia groups, were disbanded, and the People's Liberation Army was called in to restore order. This marked the beginning of the end of the most violent phase of the Cultural Revolution, though the movement officially continued until Mao's death in 1976.
9. The Rise of the Black Power Movement
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1968 was a pivotal year for the Black Power movement in the United States. The movement gained momentum as African Americans sought to achieve self-determination, economic empowerment, and cultural pride. Prominent figures like Stokely Carmichael and the Black Panther Party, founded by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale, played significant roles.
The Black Power salute by Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the Mexico City Olympics in October 1968 became an iconic moment of protest against racial injustice. Their raised fists during the medal ceremony drew international attention to the struggle for civil rights and equality.
10. Enoch Powell’s “Rivers of Blood” Speech
Photo: Courtesy of The Atlantic
In the United Kingdom, 1968 saw a controversial and polarizing event in British politics. On April 20, Conservative Member of Parliament Enoch Powell delivered his infamous “Rivers of Blood” speech in Birmingham. Powell warned of the consequences of continued immigration to Britain, using inflammatory language that many saw as racist and divisive.
The speech provoked outrage and condemnation from across the political spectrum, leading to Powell’s dismissal from the Shadow Cabinet. However, it also garnered significant support from sections of the public who were concerned about immigration, highlighting deep-seated racial tensions in British society.
Conclusion
The events of 1968 were extraordinary and transformative, shaping the course of history in profound ways. From the violent upheavals of political assassinations and invasions to the inspiring achievements in space exploration and social movements, 1968 was a year of contrasts and contradictions. It was a year that exposed the deep flaws and injustices in society while also highlighting the resilience and potential of the human spirit. As we reflect on the astonishing events of 1968, we are reminded of the enduring impact of that pivotal year and the lessons it continues to offer.
For more intriguing stories and historical insights from 1968, visit All About 1968.
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