Also Within this year in history
The turbulence of 1968 began on New Year’s Day with the Tet Offensive, shocking Americans with the unwinnable realities of the Vietnam War. The assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy darkened the national mood and deepened domestic unrest. Mass protests erupted around the globe, from Chicago to Prague to France, Mexico and beyond. In space, Apollo 8 orbited the moon, while back on earth, “Laugh-In” topped TV ratings, “Hair” premiered on Broadway and McDonald’s debuted the iconic Big Mac.
Sal Castro, a teacher at Lincoln High, talks to students in 1968. Castro was arrested for his leadership role in the East L.A. walkouts.
A movie still from Stanley Kubrick's 1968 science fiction film '2001: A Space Odyssey' starring Gary Lockwood. (Photo by Movie Poster Image Art/Getty Images)
Crowds in Memphis, Tennessee, following the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr in the city, 8th April 1968. In the centre, from left to right are singer Harry Belafonte, Coretta Scott King with Jesse Jackson behind, Reverend Ralph Abernathy and Reverend Andrew Young. (Photo by Santi Visalli/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
(Original Caption) 7/19/1968-Memphis, TN- James Earl Ray, his head bowed, manacled and wearing what authorities describe as "safety equipment" is led to his cell by Shelby County Sheriff William Morris, upon the accused assassin's arrival here early today. Ray is alleged to have slain civil rights leader, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on April 4, 1968.
(Original Caption) Hank Aaron blasts his 500th career home run in a Sunday afternoon game in the third inning of a game against the San Francisco Giants. Most Aaron followers believed, barring mishap, Aaron would pass Babe Ruth's record at this time.
Nichelle Nichols as Uhura and William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk in the ‘Star Trek’ episode ‘Plato’s Stepchilden,’ which aired on November 22, 1968.
History Every Day
Uncover fascinating moments from the past every day! Learn something new with key events in history, from the American Revolution to pop culture, crime and more.