Answer:
The year 1968 is often characterized as a year of "lost control" in America because it was a period of intense social and political upheaval. Several significant events and movements converged during this year, leading to a sense of turmoil and instability. Some of the key factors contributing to this characterization include:
Civil Rights Movement: The civil rights struggle was ongoing, with protests and demonstrations for racial equality and against segregation. The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, ignited riots and anger in many cities across the United States. King's death was a severe blow to the civil rights movement.
Anti-Vietnam War Protests: Opposition to the Vietnam War was at its peak in 1968. Massive protests and demonstrations took place throughout the country, including the infamous Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where clashes between protesters and police were broadcast on television, further polarizing the nation.
Assassinations: In addition to Martin Luther King Jr., Senator Robert F. Kennedy, a leading Democratic presidential candidate, was assassinated on June 5, 1968, in Los Angeles, California. These high-profile assassinations added to the sense of chaos and loss of control.
Counterculture and Student Protests: The counterculture movement, with its embrace of anti-establishment values, was gaining momentum. College campuses became centers of activism, with students protesting not only the Vietnam War but also various societal issues, including civil rights and women's rights.
Political Turmoil: The presidential election of 1968 was marked by division within both major political parties. The Democratic Party faced internal strife, with protests at the convention, and the Republican Party had a contentious nomination process. Richard Nixon eventually won the presidency.
Cultural and Music Revolution: The 1960s saw a cultural revolution, with the rise of rock 'n' roll music, experimentation with drugs, and changing social norms. This cultural shift contributed to a sense of generational divide and a feeling of societal disintegration.
All of these factors combined to create a climate of uncertainty and unrest in the United States in 1968. Many Americans felt that traditional norms and institutions were breaking down, and the country was struggling to maintain control amid the various challenges it faced. As a result, 1968 is often remembered as a year of profound change and turmoil in American history.
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