Final answer:
The increase in crime rates between 1968 and 2000 can be attributed to various factors, including demographics and drug abuse.
Step-by-step explanation:
The increase in crime rates between 1968 and 2000 can be attributed to various factors, including demographics and drug abuse. During this period, the baby-boomer generation reached the peak age for offending, which resulted in a higher number of offenders in the population.
Additionally, the emergence of crack cocaine in the 1980s led to an increase in drug-related crimes. Crack cocaine was cheaper and more accessible, particularly in poorer communities, and its abuse contributed to the crime surge.
Furthermore, policies implemented during the 1980s and 1990s, such as stricter sentencing laws and the War on Drugs campaign, led to a significant increase in the number of people incarcerated, particularly Black and Hispanic individuals. These policies further contributed to the rise in crime rates.