What was the significance of the year 1968 in political activism?

Answer 1

In the US, the Vietnam War had begun to look like something we might not "win." Students, in particular, often held protests and demonstrations. In American politics, Richard Nixon would be elected after the assasination of Robert Kennedy (the initial nominated Democratic Party candidate) and Martin Luther King Jr. would be assasinated, also.

Students at Columbia University also seized control and blockaded a couple of university buildings to protest the school's membership in a weapons-research think-tank and the location of a proposed new gynasium (arguments about how the university was promoting segregation with different entrances for students and local residents). They succeeded (a few months after the occupation) in getting Columbia to renounce its membership and relocate the gymnasium.

In Tlatelolco, Mexico (the Tlatelolco Massacre), a number of students (notably at UNAM in Mexico City) protested the government's interference in higher education as well as the jailing of political dissidents. The conflict climaxed with federal troops gunning down protestors and killing up to 300 people. About half-a-year later, the government gave greater autonomy to universities and made it easier for those jailed for political crimes to obtain probation.

In Europe, there was "Mai '68" in France and "The Prague Spring" in Czechoslovakia (a USSR satellite state at the time). In May of 1968 (Mai '68) France, students at the University of the Sorbonne (Paris) complained about the rigidness and unfairness of education standards in France (wrought with many high-pressure exams) and went on strike (also occupying college buildings), encouraging others to join them and the police to move in. Later in the month, workers would join the cause; eventually 67% of France's workforce was on strike, including major transportation systems and the national television network. President Charles de Gaulle threatened to invoke a state of emergency and dissolved the National Assembly although fears that the students were too radical (particualarly favoring Marxist-anarchy) led to de Gaulle's party/coalition winning a supermajority in the June elections, effectively, ending the movement. Reforms were enacted over the next few months and workers received a handsome compensation package.

The Prague Spring involved the brief period of time where the Czechs at least indirectly defied Communist/USSR rule and removed restrictions on freedoms (speech, assembly, press, etc.). The USSR would eventually send troops in to quash the movement and would jail and execute its leaders.

Answer 2

The Tet Offensive, which was the largest Vietnamese offensive during the Vietnam War, began in 1968 and lasted throughout the entire year. Although it was a military defeat for the Viet Cong, it was a turning point in American politics, as public opinion finally swayed against the war. So, political activism against the Vietnam War was at its height during this time.

Answer 3

Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in April; Robert Kennedy in June, right after winning the nomination as Democratic candidate in the California primary.


The Democratic National Convention was held in Chicago where police brutalized anti-war demonstrators causing further tension in American society.

Richard Nixon was elected President.

I remember all these events. I turned 19 that year.

Answer 4

i believe the answer can be found in the film FOREST GUMP. the video store is alot like a box of chocolates.