Who Was the President in 1968?

As America hurtled toward the defining decade of the 1960s, a new president took office in January 1968 with promises of peace and unity. Lyndon B. Johnson had served as president since 1963, following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and had overseen major legislative victories such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. However, the Vietnam War and growing social unrest threatened to overshadow his legacy.

The 1968 presidential election was a tumultuous affair, marked by assassinations, protests, and a nation deeply divided. Ultimately, Republican candidate Richard Nixon emerged victorious, defeating Democratic candidate Hubert Humphrey and promising to restore law and order.

In this article, we will delve into the tumultuous year of 1968, exploring the major events that shaped the presidency and forever etched themselves into the annals of American history.

Who Was the President in 1968?

The year 1968 was a turning point in American history, marked by political upheaval, social unrest, and a change in presidential leadership.

• Lyndon B. Johnson's legacy
• Vietnam War's impact
• Civil Rights Movement
• Presidential election of 1968
• Richard Nixon's victory
• Promise of law and order
• Tumultuous year in American history
• Assassinations and protests
• Nation deeply divided
• Legacy of the 1960s

The events of 1968 left an indelible mark on the United States, shaping the political and social landscape for years to come.

Lyndon B. Johnson's Legacy

Lyndon B. Johnson assumed the presidency in 1963 following the assassination of John F. Kennedy. He inherited a nation grappling with racial injustice, economic inequality, and the escalating Vietnam War.

Despite these challenges, Johnson made significant strides in domestic policy. He championed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a landmark legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. He also oversaw the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which prohibited racial discrimination in voting. These achievements solidified Johnson's legacy as a champion of civil rights.

In addition to his domestic accomplishments, Johnson also expanded social welfare programs. He signed the Medicare and Medicaid Acts into law, providing health insurance to the elderly and low-income Americans. He also initiated the "Great Society" program, which aimed to combat poverty and expand educational opportunities.

However, Johnson's legacy is also tarnished by the Vietnam War. Under his leadership, the United States escalated its involvement in the conflict, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of American soldiers and Vietnamese civilians. The war became increasingly unpopular, fueling anti-war protests and divisions within American society.

Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency was a complex and consequential one. He made significant progress on civil rights and social welfare, but his legacy is also marred by the Vietnam War. His presidency stands as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs of governing a nation in times of turmoil.

Vietnam War's Impact

The Vietnam War had a profound impact on American society and politics in the 1960s. The war escalated under President Lyndon B. Johnson's leadership, with the number of American troops increasing from 23,000 in 1964 to over 500,000 by 1968. The war became increasingly unpopular, and anti-war protests swept across the nation.

The war also had a significant impact on the economy. The United States spent billions of dollars on the war effort, which contributed to inflation and a decline in the value of the dollar. The war also diverted resources from domestic programs, such as education and healthcare.

The Vietnam War also deeply divided American society. Many Americans supported the war, believing it was necessary to stop the spread of communism. Others opposed the war, arguing that it was a waste of lives and resources and that the United States had no business interfering in a foreign conflict.

The war also had a profound impact on the presidency. Johnson's popularity plummeted as the war dragged on, and he was forced to withdraw from the 1968 presidential race. His successor, Richard Nixon, campaigned on a promise to end the war, but he ultimately failed to deliver on that promise.

The Vietnam War left a lasting legacy of division and disillusionment in the United States. It also led to a decline in trust in the government and a questioning of American foreign policy.

Civil Rights Movement

The Civil Rights Movement was a pivotal force in American history, and it reached a turning point in 1968. The movement, which had been gaining momentum throughout the 1950s and 1960s, aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination in the United States.

In 1968, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent leader of the Civil Rights Movement, sparked riots and protests across the country. King's death brought renewed attention to the issue of racial injustice and galvanized the movement.

Later that year, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1968, also known as the Fair Housing Act. This landmark legislation prohibited discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, color, religion, or national origin. The act was a major victory for the Civil Rights Movement and helped to desegregate housing in the United States.

The Civil Rights Movement also made significant progress in other areas. In 1964, Johnson had signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in employment, public accommodations, and government programs. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibited racial discrimination in voting and helped to increase voter turnout among African Americans.

The Civil Rights Movement achieved significant victories in the 1960s, but the fight for racial justice continues to this day. The legacy of the movement is a more just and equitable society, but there is still work to be done to address the systemic racism that persists in the United States.

Presidential Election of 1968

The 1968 presidential election was one of the most tumultuous and consequential in American history. The election was held against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and widespread social unrest.

The Democratic Party was deeply divided in 1968. President Lyndon B. Johnson had declined to run for re-election, and the party was split between supporters of Vice President Hubert Humphrey and Senator Eugene McCarthy, a leading anti-war candidate.

The Republican Party nominated Richard Nixon, a former vice president under Dwight D. Eisenhower. Nixon campaigned on a platform of "law and order" and promised to end the Vietnam War.

The election was extremely close. Nixon won the popular vote by a narrow margin, but Humphrey won the majority of electoral votes. However, several Southern states switched their electoral votes to Nixon, giving him a narrow victory.

The 1968 presidential election had a profound impact on American politics. Nixon's victory marked a shift to the right and the end of the Democratic Party's dominance in national politics. The election also exacerbated the divisions within American society, as the country continued to grapple with the issues of race, war, and social change.

Richard Nixon's Victory

Richard Nixon's victory in the 1968 presidential election was a significant turning point in American history. Nixon's election marked the end of eight years of Democratic rule and the beginning of a new era in American politics.

Nixon campaigned on a platform of "law and order" and promised to end the Vietnam War. He also appealed to white working-class voters who felt left behind by the social and economic changes of the 1960s.

Nixon's victory was a narrow one. He won the popular vote by less than 1% and the electoral vote by a margin of 301 to 191. However, his victory was enough to give him a mandate to implement his agenda.

Nixon's presidency was a consequential one. He oversaw the end of the Vietnam War, opened relations with China, and signed the Environmental Protection Act. He also appointed conservative justices to the Supreme Court, which shifted the balance of the court to the right.

Richard Nixon's victory in 1968 had a profound impact on American politics. His presidency was a time of both progress and turmoil. He achieved some significant accomplishments, but his legacy is also tarnished by the Watergate scandal, which led to his resignation in 1974.

Promise of Law and Order

Richard Nixon's promise of "law and order" was a central theme of his 1968 presidential campaign. Nixon appealed to voters who were concerned about rising crime rates and social unrest.

Nixon argued that the country was in a state of crisis and that he was the only candidate who could restore law and order. He promised to crack down on crime, strengthen the police, and appoint conservative judges to the Supreme Court.

Nixon's promise of law and order resonated with many voters, particularly white working-class voters who felt that the country was becoming too permissive and that traditional values were being eroded.

Nixon's victory in the 1968 election was in part due to his promise of law and order. However, his presidency was also marked by controversy and scandal, and he ultimately resigned from office in 1974.

The promise of law and order has been a recurring theme in American politics. Politicians often use this rhetoric to appeal to voters' fears and anxieties about crime and social disorder.

Tumultuous Year in American History

The year 1968 was a tumultuous one in American history. The country was deeply divided by the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and a wave of social unrest. The following are some of the key events that made 1968 a turning point in American history:

• The Tet Offensive: In January 1968, the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong launched a surprise attack on South Vietnamese cities and military installations. The Tet Offensive was a major turning point in the Vietnam War, as it showed that the United States could not win the war militarily.
• The Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.: In April 1968, Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent leader of the Civil Rights Movement, was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. King's assassination sparked riots and protests across the country, and it further deepened the divisions within American society.
• The Democratic National Convention: In August 1968, the Democratic National Convention was held in Chicago, Illinois. The convention was marred by violence between anti-war protesters and the police. The violence at the convention further alienated young people and African Americans from the Democratic Party.
• The Election of Richard Nixon: In November 1968, Richard Nixon was elected president of the United States. Nixon campaigned on a platform of "law and order" and promised to end the Vietnam War. His victory marked the end of eight years of Democratic rule and the beginning of a new era in American politics.

The events of 1968 had a profound impact on American society and politics. The year was a turning point in the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the relationship between the government and its citizens.

Assassinations and Protests

The year 1968 was marked by a wave of assassinations and protests that shook the nation and left a lasting impact on American history.

On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent leader of the Civil Rights Movement, was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. King's assassination sparked riots and protests across the country, as people expressed their outrage and grief. The assassination also led to a decline in support for the Vietnam War, as many Americans began to question the government's motives for fighting the war.

Just two months later, on June 5, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy, a leading candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, was assassinated in Los Angeles, California. Kennedy's assassination further shocked and angered the nation, and it contributed to the growing sense of disillusionment with the government.

In addition to these high-profile assassinations, 1968 also saw a wave of protests against the Vietnam War. Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets to demonstrate against the war, and these protests often turned violent. The protests reached a peak in August 1968, when the Democratic National Convention was held in Chicago, Illinois. The convention was marred by violence between anti-war protesters and the police, and the images of police brutality that were broadcast on television further turned public opinion against the war.

The assassinations and protests of 1968 were a major turning point in American history. They reflected the deep divisions within American society and the growing distrust of the government. These events also had a significant impact on the presidential election of 1968, which saw Richard Nixon elected on a platform of "law and order."

Nation Deeply Divided

The year 1968 was a time of great division in the United States. The country was deeply split over the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and a host of other social and political issues.

The Vietnam War was particularly divisive. Many Americans supported the war, believing that it was necessary to stop the spread of communism in Southeast Asia. Others opposed the war, arguing that it was a waste of lives and resources and that the United States had no business interfering in a foreign conflict.

The Civil Rights Movement was also a source of division. While many Americans supported the movement's goals of racial equality and justice, others resisted these changes and clung to traditional racist beliefs. The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in April 1968 further inflamed racial tensions and deepened the divisions within American society.

In addition to these major issues, the country was also divided over a number of other issues, such as the counterculture movement, the sexual revolution, and the generation gap. These divisions were reflected in the 1968 presidential election, which was one of the most divisive in American history.

The divisions of 1968 did not simply disappear after the election. They continued to shape American politics and society for years to come. The legacy of 1968 is a reminder of the challenges of governing a diverse and deeply divided nation.

Legacy of the 1960s

The 1960s was a decade of great change and upheaval in the United States. The decade saw the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, the counterculture movement, and the sexual revolution. These events left a lasting legacy on American society and politics.

• Civil Rights Movement: The Civil Rights Movement achieved significant victories in the 1960s, including the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These laws outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The Civil Rights Movement also helped to change attitudes about race and to promote greater equality.
• Vietnam War: The Vietnam War was a major turning point in American history. The war deeply divided the country and led to a decline in trust in the government. The war also had a significant impact on the economy and on American foreign policy.
• Counterculture Movement: The counterculture movement of the 1960s challenged traditional values and norms. The movement promoted peace, love, and freedom, and it influenced everything from music and fashion to politics and religion.
• Sexual Revolution: The sexual revolution of the 1960s led to a more open and permissive attitude towards sex. This revolution was fueled by the development of the birth control pill and by the changing roles of women in society.

The legacy of the 1960s is complex and multifaceted. The decade was a time of great progress, but it was also a time of great turmoil. The events of the 1960s continue to shape American society and politics today.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the president in 1968:

These are just a few of the questions that people often ask about the president in 1968. For more information, you can consult a variety of sources, including books, articles, and websites.

In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some tips for learning more about the president in 1968:

Tips

Here are a few tips for learning more about the president in 1968:

Tip 1: Read books and articles. There are many books and articles available about the president in 1968. These resources can provide you with detailed information about the president's life, career, and policies.

Tip 2: Watch documentaries. There are also a number of documentaries available about the president in 1968. These documentaries can provide you with a visual overview of the president's life and times.

Tip 3: Visit museums and historical sites. There are a number of museums and historical sites that are dedicated to the president in 1968. These sites can provide you with a firsthand look at the president's life and legacy.

Tip 4: Talk to people who lived through the 1960s. If you know anyone who lived through the 1960s, ask them about their experiences. They may have some interesting stories to share about the president and the events of that time.

Following these tips can help you learn more about the president in 1968 and the impact that he had on American history.

The president in 1968 was a complex and controversial figure. He left a lasting legacy on American society and politics. By learning more about him, we can better understand the challenges and opportunities that the United States faced during that time.

Conclusion

Lyndon B. Johnson was a complex and controversial figure who served as the 36th president of the United States from 1963 to 1969. He is best known for his role in passing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, two landmark pieces of legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Johnson also oversaw the escalation of the Vietnam War, a conflict that deeply divided the United States and ultimately led to his decision not to run for re-election in 1968.

Despite the challenges he faced, Johnson also achieved some significant successes during his presidency. He expanded Medicare and Medicaid, providing health insurance to millions of Americans. He also created the Head Start program, which provides early childhood education to disadvantaged children. And he signed the Wilderness Act, which protected millions of acres of public land.

Lyndon B. Johnson's legacy is a mixed one. He was a flawed man who made some serious mistakes. But he was also a man of great vision and compassion, who made a lasting impact on American society.

Johnson's presidency is a reminder that even in the most difficult of times, it is possible to achieve great things. He faced enormous challenges, but he never gave up on his dream of a better America. His legacy is one of progress and possibility, and it continues to inspire people today.