1968

1968 was a year of the 20th century in the Gregorian calendar. It is remembered for the numerous student and worker protests, social upheaval, and conflicts that took place across continents.

The most notable events that year included the protests in France in May, American opposition to the Vietnam War, and the suppression of political reforms in Czechoslovakia when Warsaw Pact forces entered the country.

France: May 1968

In May 1968, students at universities in Paris began demonstrations, and they were soon joined by large numbers of workers who staged a general strike. The unrest precipitated early elections held in June; Charles de Gaulle's party won a substantial majority of seats. De Gaulle left office the following year.

United States

In 1968, the United States saw the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy. These killings sparked riots in many cities. The Vietnam War heavily influenced political debate, particularly after the Tet Offensive at the start of the year. Richard Nixon won the presidential election.

Czechoslovakia

In Czechoslovakia, under the leadership of Alexander Dubček, reforms known as the Prague Spring began, which included press freedom and economic restructuring. In August 1968, Warsaw Pact forces entered the country and the reforms were halted.

Other events

The Summer Olympic Games were held in Mexico City. Earlier that year, Mexico City was the site of student protests and a military crackdown that killed many people. In the realm of science, the American Apollo 8 mission orbited the Moon late in the year, making its crew the first humans to travel beyond Earth's orbit.