The American Pivotal Year, 1968

Introduction

The sixties, especially 1968, is vastly considered a pivotal year in the American history. More precisely, Anderson (1996) refers to the period as a decade of change and tumult. As such, the term “Pivotal” in this context has been used to emphasize the significance and vitality of the events of the sixties that led to the change and development of the course of the United States history to what we know of today. 1968 was particularly pivotal in the twenty-first century in the sense that it significantly and radically changed the social, cultural, and political realities owing to the numerous but momentous events that occurred during the time. The events included violence, youth revolutions, lifestyle changes, racial conflicts, and the epitomized Vietnam War. In this accord, this critical analysis paper seeks to describe and discuss how the events mentioned played a pivotal role during the sixties and the American history in general.

1968 saw the occurrence of many tragic events which when put together and observed from a critical point of view were significant in the American history. There was a lot of tension and fear during the period since the Vietnam War was at its peak and in everybody’s mind. In fact, 1968 was the bloodiest and most violent year of the entire Vietnam War with hordes of casualties from both camps. The bloody event shell-shocked the American public with disbelief regarding the futility and fatality of war. Further, the world became particularly enraged and withdrew support for America and the war after the gruesome My Lai Massacre of unarmed Vietnamese civilians on 16th March 1968. The massacre of the innocent civilians coupled with the withdrawal of world support was pivotal as it brought about new political realities on an international standard thereby affecting diplomacy and international relations to the core. The violence was unmatched and unfathomable bringing out the worst in the soldiers and both nations in their struggle for supremacy.

The year 1968 was also pivotal in changing the political landscape in America as a result of the Vietnam War. As historians have observed, the war saw the immature termination of President Johnson’s leadership thereby giving rise to another candidate, Robert Kennedy who gathered support from all over America including the estranged African Americans. However, this event continuously portrayed the instability and radicalization of the American nation and its racial politics. In the same accord, 1968 signified the contradictions and complexity of the American politics. Despite President Richard Nixon promising to withdraw from the Vietnam War, he made it worse, epitomizing the untrustworthiness of the administration. This war also gave the media such as the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal voice and power over exposing the lies and unruly actions of the government to the public. With the power of knowledge and various uncovered truths about the government and the war, the nation was rifted into two with the media at the center of it. It was also during this time that the radicalized cultural wars were witnessed between the Nixon’s administration of the traditionalists versus the liberals. In fact, this war is still a significant part of the US politics today.

The violent racial conflicts and riots in over a hundred American streets and cities declaring war against the whites was witnessed in 1968. Soon enough, the country sank into chaos with fires and smoke covering the skies. The racial riots saw over three thousand people injured and forty-five dead, all whites. This event is important in the American history as racial conflicts are still a major part of the United States contemporary society and politics. However, the same year marked the end and change of the civil rights movement epitomized by the Congress passing the Fair Housing Act which was a significant legislative action that changed the American Constitution; for the first time in history, both whites and blacks could live in rental houses without racial discrimination. In addition, the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1965 were passed, and the American nation began living free with racism illegalized. It must be noted that the Civil Rights Acts are still a significant part of the United States constitution today, living up to the dream of Martin Luther King.

Students’ riots particularly the one witnessed at the Columbia University also characterized this period. The student revolt continued with the repression and oppression by the University President Kirk’s administration that banned all indoor riots. The riots were mainly centered on the stringent University regulations, racism in the school, bullying, and the Vietnam War. With the student revolution spreading nationwide, and the siege of the University, the center of American political life completely collapsed. Ultimately, the university policies and regulations of the American Society were changed creating serene and safe environments for all sorts of students regardless of their race, social status, or gender. Moreover, the student revolution of 1968 was crucial in changing the education life of students and school cultures around America to what they are today. Perhaps the last event that marked this momentous year was the demonstration led by the Women Liberation Movement which protested against ridiculous beauty standards which purportedly enslaved women. In essence, the protests set in motion a domino effect leading to numerous other protests by Americans such as the uniformed servicemen demanding to be heard. This gave rise to social activism towards fairness and equality which are part of the main principles of the US Constitution today (Anderson, 1996).

Conclusion

America has never been so divided ever since the civil war and reconstruction era as it was during 1968. This year taught the Americans painful lessons that scarred their history evidenced and enshrined in the current constitution with Acts such as the Civil Rights Act. By the end of 1968, the American nation was divided on all fronts, politically, racially, socially, as well as Protestants versus the silent majority. In effect, the sixties ended in confusion and portrayed a country that was lost in itself with a self-righteous government which critically had no power nationally to stop the war or domestically to quell the protests and riots. Worse still, people had lost faith and trust in the government with its corrupt and radicalized politics not to mention ineptness. As such, 1968 saw America destroyed to some degree but gave it an experience with which it built on to become one of the most powerful nations in the world. Ultimately, 1968 remains an important and crucial part of the American history in regards to liberation, empowerment, culture, politics, and social activism.

Reference

Anderson, T., H. (1996). The Movement and the Sixties. Oxford University Press, p103-128. Print.