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1968: A Tumultuous Year

1968: A Tumultuous Year. Tet Offensive Cronkite’s analysis Rise of the Counter Culture Johnson’s withdraws MLK and RFK’s assassination My Lai Massacre Collegiate protests Chicago anti-war demonstration President Nixon. http://www.lbjlib.utexas.edu/johnson/av.hom/streaming-index.shtm.

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1968: A Tumultuous Year

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  1. 1968: A Tumultuous Year Tet Offensive Cronkite’s analysis Rise of the Counter Culture Johnson’s withdraws MLK and RFK’s assassination My Lai Massacre Collegiate protests Chicago anti-war demonstration President Nixon http://www.lbjlib.utexas.edu/johnson/av.hom/streaming-index.shtm

  2. The Pueblo Incident • U.S.S. Pueblo was seized by North Korea. • The 82 sailor crew was tortured to give information.** • The U.S.S.R. was looking for a a cryptographic machine onboard to match with a key provided to the Soviets by the spy John Walker.

  3. Tet Offensive • A massive surprise attack by the Vietcong on South Vietnamese towns and cities early in 1968 • Greatly shock the American public and changed millions of minds about he war • “…the bloody experience of Vietnam is to end in a stalemate.” • Turning point of the war.

  4. Johnson’s Popularity Plummets • 60% of Americans disapprove of how he’s handling the war • Cronkite, America’s most trusted man, states that the war is unwinnable. • “What the hell is going on over there? I thought we were winning this war.” Walter Cronkite • “if I’ve lost Walter, then it’s over.” LBJ

  5. Johnson Withdraws from 1968 Election • After the New Hampshire primary Robert Kennedy enters the race • March 31, 1968-Johnson leaves the presidential race • The war “killed the lady I really loved-the Great Society”

  6. Assassinations of 1968 • April 4, 1968-MLK assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee at the Lorraine Motel. (Over 100 riot broke out across the Nation.) • Over 21,000 people were arrested. • James Earl Ray was convicted of his murder.

  7. Robert Kennedy’s link to MLK • Robert Kennedy worked with MLK on Civil Rights. • The night of MLK’s death Robert Kennedy was giving a speech in Indianapolis. This was the only major city in the U.S. where riots did not break out.

  8. Assassinations of 1968 cont. • June 5, 1968 Robert Kennedy (JFK’s brother) was assassinated, at the famous Ambassador’s Hotel, just after winning the California Democratic Primary. • Side note: same day James Earl Ray was captured in London, England.

  9. The Killers • James Earl Ray • Sirhan Sirhan

  10. College War Protests • The Vietnam war was being protested nationwide. • Most major protest were held on college campuses. • Hippies and anti authority! • Students took over the Columbian Univ. campus in New York

  11. Race for the Presidency in 1968 For the Democrats Hubert Humphrey Eugene McCarty (LBJ’s VP) Robert Kennedy (Until June) For the Republicans Richard Nixon American Independent Governor George Wallace Black Panthers Party Bobby Seale

  12. Race for the Presidency • August 1968-anti-war demonstrations in Chicago • Wanted anti-war platform, displeased with Humphrey’s nomination • Yippies wanted to provoke violence that might discredit Dem. party

  13. “Black Power” 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City Athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos lowered their heads and raised their fists in a "Black Panther" salute. In this way, they protested against racism in America.

  14. March 16, 1968 – My Lai Massacre

  15. Nixon Triumphs • Lost to JFK in 1960 • Restore law and order and end the war • George Wallace, dividing democratic votes (Wins 5 states) • Nixon wins election of 1968

  16. Pueblo Sailors Released • December 23, 1968 the 82 sailors were released. • U.S. had to admit blame and pledge not to spy on NK again. • All of the sailors had to sign an apology.

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