1968 – A Stand-Out Year
By: Donna Lefeber
1968 was a stand-out year in the history of America and the world. 1968 brought cultural sea changes, political upheaval, innovations in music, film, and the arts, and leaps forward in scientific achievement and technology. It also brought tragic loss for individuals whose loved ones served in Vietnam, and for the nation as a whole with the assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King. And, this roller coaster of a year also introduced us to Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, 60 Minutes, the musical HAIR, and the Big Mac – all of which remain a big part of American life.
Additional info about 1968:
Some of the top books: Confessions of Nat Turner by William Styron, Couples by John Updike, Airport by Arthur Hailey, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip Dick, and Double Helix (about the discovery of DNA) by James D. Watson.
Popular movies were 2001: A Space Odyssey (warning of the dangers of A.I.,) Rosemary’s Baby, Bullitt (with the most famous and best car chase,) Night of the Living Dead, and Lion in Winter.
And, in music The Beatles were still going strong with Magical Mystery Tour and The White Album, and the hits kept coming out of Motown. You’ll find these and many other books, films, and music that will let you to revisit this tumultuous and fascinating year – either as history lesson or remembrance, depending upon your generation.
