Discuss the significance of the year 1968. Include both domestic and foreign issues in
your class to discuss
The year 1968 is known in the US history as the traumatic year. During
the 12 months period number of domestic and foreign issues reshaped the
American society.
At foreign level, the most significant development was the ‘Tet
Offensive’. North Vietnamese Commandos lunched a surprise attack to defeat
South Vietnamese supported by American troops. While North Vietnamese casualties
were significant .However, the surprise attack brought American public concern
about the necessity to withdraw from Vietnam. At domestic level, civil rights
leaders and social activist pointed the necessity to spend federal funds on war
against poverty not in killing Vietnamese communist. The assassination of Dr.
Martin Luther King on the April 4th followed by the assassination of
Senator Robert Kennedy two months later were the most cynical events of 1968 at
domestic level. During that time period, number of riots and anti-war
demonstrations were seen all around the country. They marked the turmoil of a
generation eager of peace and equal rights. However, the political arena did
not change and American end up by electing Richard Nixon who promised “peace
with Honor” in Vietnam.
The domestic and foreign issues faced by Americans in 1968
constituted the base for new foreign policies as well as civil
rights amendments