A New Era of Journalism: 60 Minutes Debuts in 1968
Changing the Face of Television News On September 24, 1968, 60 Minutes premiered on CBS, marking the beginning of a new era in American television journalism. Created by Don S. Hewitt, the show introduced a groundbreaking format that combined hard-hitting investigative journalism with engaging human-interest stories. With a rotating team of reporters, including legendary figures […]
Hank Aaron Hits 500th Home Run
On July 14, 1968, Hank Aaron, one of the greatest players in the history of baseball, hit his 500th career home run, further solidifying his legendary status in Major League Baseball. This momentous home run was struck off pitcher Mike McCormick during a game against the San Francisco Giants at Atlanta Stadium. Aaron’s achievement was […]
Arrest of James Earl Ray
James Earl Ray, the suspected assassin of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was arrested on June 8, 1968, at London’s Heathrow Airport. Ray’s arrest followed an intense international manhunt that began shortly after King was fatally shot on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. His capture was a crucial development in the […]
Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy
Robert F. Kennedy, a U.S. Senator and presidential candidate, was fatally shot on June 5, 1968, at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, shortly after claiming victory in the California Democratic primary. Kennedy died from his injuries the following day. His assassination shocked the nation and the world, coming just five years after the assassination […]
Death of Helen Keller
Helen Keller, an American author, political activist, and lecturer, died on June 1, 1968. Despite losing her sight and hearing due to an illness at a very young age, Keller overcame significant disabilities to become a leading humanitarian of the 20th century. She was an advocate for people with disabilities, a campaigner for civil rights, […]
Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
On this day in history, civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is tragically assassinated by James Earl Ray while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. King’s death sends shockwaves across the nation and sparks outrage, galvanizing the civil rights movement and cementing his legacy as a champion of […]
My Lai Massacre During the Vietnam War
The My Lai Massacre, one of the most infamous incidents of the Vietnam War, occurred on this day in 1968. American soldiers killed as many as 500 unarmed Vietnamese civilians in the My Lai hamlets, shocking the world and fueling anti-war sentiments in the United States.
The Orangeburg Massacre Occurs During Civil Rights Protests
A tragic event in the struggle for civil rights took place on February 8th, 1968, as three African American students were killed and many others injured during protests against segregation at South Carolina State University, known as the Orangeburg Massacre.
Operation SEALORDS
U.S. forces in Vietnam launch Operation SEALORDS (South East Asia Lake, Ocean, River and Delta Strategy), an attack on communist supply lines and base areas in and around the Mekong Delta.