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PHOTOS: Life in 1968: America's most defining year
Published 2:53 pm, Friday, December 15, 2017
A young female protester wearing a helmet faces down helmeted and armed police officers at an anti-Vietnam War demonstration outside the 1968 Democratic National Convention, Chicago, Illinois, August 1968.
A young female protester wearing a helmet faces down helmeted and armed police officers at an anti-Vietnam War demonstration outside the 1968 Democratic National Convention, Chicago, Illinois, August 1968.
A line of American soldiers march up a hill during the Route 9 offensive while fires behind them send smoke into the air, Vietnam, 1968.
A line of American soldiers march up a hill during the Route 9 offensive while fires behind them send smoke into the air, Vietnam, 1968.
Women hold up signs demanding equal rights during a demonstration for women's liberation, New York City.
Women hold up signs demanding equal rights during a demonstration for women's liberation, New York City.
The freelance designer Audrey Watson, gives her client, Janice Everett, an 'Instant Bra' using body paints, at the Lady Jayne Boutique. This was designed so women can wear a transparant top without underwear. 1968.
lessThe freelance designer Audrey Watson, gives her client, Janice Everett, an 'Instant Bra' using body paints, at the Lady Jayne Boutique. This was designed so women can wear a transparant top without underwear.
... moreElvis Presley and his wife, Priscilla, prepare to leave the hospital with their new daughter, Lisa Marie. Memphis, Tennessee, February 5, 1968.
Elvis Presley and his wife, Priscilla, prepare to leave the hospital with their new daughter, Lisa Marie. Memphis, Tennessee, February 5, 1968.
A photgrapher bleeding from a head wound given to him by police during the riots in Grant Park outside the 1968 Democratic National Convention gives the peace sign as he is interviewed in Chicago, Illinois, August 28, 1968. The demonstration, held across the street from Democratic Headquarters Hotel, erupted into violence after Chicago police tried to break up the anti-Vietnam War protest.
lessA photgrapher bleeding from a head wound given to him by police during the riots in Grant Park outside the 1968 Democratic National Convention gives the peace sign as he is interviewed in Chicago, Illinois,
... moreEntertainer Cher fixes her make up in a dressing room mirror in March 1968 in Los Angeles, California.
Entertainer Cher fixes her make up in a dressing room mirror in March 1968 in Los Angeles, California.
National Guard members protect shops from rioters during the 1968 Miami race riots.
National Guard members protect shops from rioters during the 1968 Miami race riots.
Raquel Welch was one of the most popular actresses in 1968.
Raquel Welch was one of the most popular actresses in 1968.
Scene from Washington, DC riots in 1968.
Scene from Washington, DC riots in 1968.
A couple shows off their long hair during an event at Mount Tamalpais in August, 1968 in San Francisco, California.
A couple shows off their long hair during an event at Mount Tamalpais in August, 1968 in San Francisco, California.
A San Francisco State University demonstrator is restrained in a choke hold as he is taken away to a paddy wagon during the student strike protests, San Francisco, California, December 3, 1968.
A San Francisco State University demonstrator is restrained in a choke hold as he is taken away to a paddy wagon during the student strike protests, San Francisco, California, December 3, 1968.
The new play, "Hair," opens April 1968 at the Biltmore Theatre on West 47th street.
The new play, "Hair," opens April 1968 at the Biltmore Theatre on West 47th street.
Actress Jane Fonda appears on an Italian poster for the 1968 science fiction fantasy film 'Barbarella', directed by Roger Vadim.
Actress Jane Fonda appears on an Italian poster for the 1968 science fiction fantasy film 'Barbarella', directed by Roger Vadim.
Tommie Smith and John Carlos, gold and bronze medalists in the 200-meter run at the 1968 Olympic Games, engage in a victory stand protest against unfair treatment of blacks in the United States. With heads lowered and black-gloved fists raised in the black power salute, they refuse to recognize the American flag and national anthem. Australian Peter Norman is the silver medalist.
lessTommie Smith and John Carlos, gold and bronze medalists in the 200-meter run at the 1968 Olympic Games, engage in a victory stand protest against unfair treatment of blacks in the United States. With heads
... moreThe devastated 8th Division headquarters in the Cholon area of Saigon after the shelling and fighting of the 1968 mini Tet offensive.
The devastated 8th Division headquarters in the Cholon area of Saigon after the shelling and fighting of the 1968 mini Tet offensive.
"Rowan and Martin Laugh-In," featuring breakout star Goldie Hawn was the most-watched TV show of 1968.
"Rowan and Martin Laugh-In," featuring breakout star Goldie Hawn was the most-watched TV show of 1968.
A Polish poster for Roman Polanski's 1968 horror film "Rosemary's Baby."
A Polish poster for Roman Polanski's 1968 horror film "Rosemary's Baby."
The official 1968 World's Fair in miniature is viewed here at Hemisfair's exhibit showroom on the fair site in San Antonio, Texas, by Patty Poulsen. The tall structure in the center is the Tower of the Americas, Hemisfair's 622 foot theme structure with a rotating restaurant, observation decks and high speed outside elevators. The domed structure at right is the U.S. Government's Confluence Theatre, which will feature a special 20-minute film by Academy Award winner Francis Thompson. The three large buildings in the foreground area the San Antonio Civic and Convention Center at Hemisfair.
lessThe official 1968 World's Fair in miniature is viewed here at Hemisfair's exhibit showroom on the fair site in San Antonio, Texas, by Patty Poulsen. The tall structure in the center is the Tower of the
... moreElvis Presley's landmark TV special was taped in June 1968 and aired December 3, 1968, on NBC.
Elvis Presley's landmark TV special was taped in June 1968 and aired December 3, 1968, on NBC.
A 1968 Dodge Charger careens over a hill during a chase sequence from the 1968 film "Bullitt."
A 1968 Dodge Charger careens over a hill during a chase sequence from the 1968 film "Bullitt."
Barbara Eden, US actress, in costume sitting on a multi-coloured pile of cushions in a publicity portrait for the US television series, 'I Dream of Jeannie.'
Barbara Eden, US actress, in costume sitting on a multi-coloured pile of cushions in a publicity portrait for the US television series, 'I Dream of Jeannie.'
Yale cheer leaders Greg Parker (L) and Bill Brown give the Black Power salute during the National Anthem starting the Yale-Dartmouth football game in the Yale Bowl, November 1968.
Yale cheer leaders Greg Parker (L) and Bill Brown give the Black Power salute during the National Anthem starting the Yale-Dartmouth football game in the Yale Bowl, November 1968.
Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller of New York brought his campaign for the GOP presidential nomination to his home city today, June 25, 1968.
Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller of New York brought his campaign for the GOP presidential nomination to his home city today, June 25, 1968.
O.J. Simpson, of Southern California, the most celebrated collegiate football player of 1968, looms over the Heisman Memorial Trophy Dec. 5, 1968 after he received the award. During the day, Simpson also was selected United Press International Player of the Year.
lessO.J. Simpson, of Southern California, the most celebrated collegiate football player of 1968, looms over the Heisman Memorial Trophy Dec. 5, 1968 after he received the award. During the day, Simpson also was
... moreCharlton Heston as George Taylor and Linda Harrison as Nova in a scene from director Franklin Schaffner's film, 'Planet of the Apes', 1968.
Charlton Heston as George Taylor and Linda Harrison as Nova in a scene from director Franklin Schaffner's film, 'Planet of the Apes', 1968.
Miami policemen, one holding the man's arm and the other with an arm lock on his neck, drag away a black youth during a clash between police and rioters in that city's predominantly Negro Liberty City district.
Miami policemen, one holding the man's arm and the other with an arm lock on his neck, drag away a black youth during a clash between police and rioters in that city's predominantly Negro Liberty City district.
UPI Newschart graphs the U.S. troop buildup in south Vietnam from 685 military advisers in 1961 to more than half a million men (525,000) in 1968.
UPI Newschart graphs the U.S. troop buildup in south Vietnam from 685 military advisers in 1961 to more than half a million men (525,000) in 1968.
A fourteen year old Viet Cong girl teaching her younger brother to fire a rifle, Thua Thien province, South Vietnam, 1968.
A fourteen year old Viet Cong girl teaching her younger brother to fire a rifle, Thua Thien province, South Vietnam, 1968.
Student Shari McGar selling paper flowers at San Antonio Hemisfair in 1968.
Student Shari McGar selling paper flowers at San Antonio Hemisfair in 1968.
George Foreman of Houston, TX, waves a small American flag after he won the Olympics heavyweight boxing gold medal to climax America's greatest effort at an Olympics to-date. The US walked away with 45 gold medals, 27 silvers and 34 bronze. Foreman scored a second-round technical knockout over Ionas Chepulis of the Soviet Union.
lessGeorge Foreman of Houston, TX, waves a small American flag after he won the Olympics heavyweight boxing gold medal to climax America's greatest effort at an Olympics to-date. The US walked away with 45 gold
... moreAmerican astronaut Eugene Cernan and his wife, Barbara, relax beside a swimming pool during a barbecue at fellow astronaut John Young's home, Houston, Texas, 1968. At the time, Cernan was part of the back-up crew for the Apollo 7 mission.
lessAmerican astronaut Eugene Cernan and his wife, Barbara, relax beside a swimming pool during a barbecue at fellow astronaut John Young's home, Houston, Texas, 1968. At the time, Cernan was part of the back-up
... moreA San Francisco State coed is wearing an eye patch which reads, 'I was protected by the police.' The police were called in to keep the peace and to quell student turmoil, San Francisco, California, December 7, 1968.
lessA San Francisco State coed is wearing an eye patch which reads, 'I was protected by the police.' The police were called in to keep the peace and to quell student turmoil, San Francisco, California, December 7,
... moreMovie art for the film 'Night Of The Living Dead', released in 1968.
Movie art for the film 'Night Of The Living Dead', released in 1968.
The Supremes, featuring Cindy Birdsong, Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, were one of the biggest musical acts of 1968.
The Supremes, featuring Cindy Birdsong, Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, were one of the biggest musical acts of 1968.
Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated June 6, 1968.
Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated June 6, 1968.
A protestor, arm raised in a mock Nazi salute, follows a San Francisco police tactical squad on the campus of San Francisco State College (later San Francisco State University), November 1968. The police had been called to the school in a wake of a student strike over several issues, including the school's lack of a minority studies program.
lessA protestor, arm raised in a mock Nazi salute, follows a San Francisco police tactical squad on the campus of San Francisco State College (later San Francisco State University), November 1968. The police had
... moreThe Beatles meet Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in February 1968. The meeting is credited in-part with changing the band's sound in the years ahead.
The Beatles meet Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in February 1968. The meeting is credited in-part with changing the band's sound in the years ahead.
Jim Morrison of The Doors performs onstage on September 14, 1968 in Frankfurt, Germany.
Jim Morrison of The Doors performs onstage on September 14, 1968 in Frankfurt, Germany.
Posed group portrait of Led Zeppelin in London, the year they debuted.
Posed group portrait of Led Zeppelin in London, the year they debuted.
The prototype of the Boeing 'Jumbo' 747 being rolled out of its purpose-built factory - the largest building ever built - at Everett, Washington.
The prototype of the Boeing 'Jumbo' 747 being rolled out of its purpose-built factory - the largest building ever built - at Everett, Washington.
Vietnamese civilians allegedly killed by US troops outside My Lai in March 1968.
Vietnamese civilians allegedly killed by US troops outside My Lai in March 1968.
Soul singer Aretha Franklin records in the studio on August 7, 1968. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Soul singer Aretha Franklin records in the studio on August 7, 1968. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Wounded Marines ride on top of converted tank used as make-shift ambulance during the battle to recapture the city of Hue during the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War, Hue, Vietnam, early 1968.
Wounded Marines ride on top of converted tank used as make-shift ambulance during the battle to recapture the city of Hue during the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War, Hue, Vietnam, early 1968.
Television show host Ed Sullivan stands on the set awaiting his cue to go on before the TV audience at the beginning of his variety program.
Television show host Ed Sullivan stands on the set awaiting his cue to go on before the TV audience at the beginning of his variety program.
Dr. Ralph Abernathy (1929 - 1990) and Jesse Jackson (both obscured) and others stand on the balcony of Lorraine motel and point in the direction of gun shots that killed American civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who lies at their feet, Memphis, Tennessee, April 4, 1968. (
lessDr. Ralph Abernathy (1929 - 1990) and Jesse Jackson (both obscured) and others stand on the balcony of Lorraine motel and point in the direction of gun shots that killed American civil rights leader Dr. Martin
... moreRepublican presidential candidate Richard Nixon standing on stage with his back to the camera in front of an arena of supporters giving the victory 'V' sign with both hands. One prominent sign in the crowd reads, 'LBJ Lost the Way: Nixon Will Save the Day' in reference to Nixon's opponent democratic president Lyndon Johnson.
lessRepublican presidential candidate Richard Nixon standing on stage with his back to the camera in front of an arena of supporters giving the victory 'V' sign with both hands. One prominent sign in the crowd
... moreActor Keir Dullea in space suit in scene from motion picture "2001: A Space Odyssey," released in 1968.
Actor Keir Dullea in space suit in scene from motion picture "2001: A Space Odyssey," released in 1968.
Planet Earth seen from space in a picture taken during the Apollo 8 Mission in 1968.
Planet Earth seen from space in a picture taken during the Apollo 8 Mission in 1968.
American figure skater Peggy Fleming practices on an outside rink in February 1968 in Grenoble (French Alps), during the Winter Olympic Games. Fleming won the gold medal.
American figure skater Peggy Fleming practices on an outside rink in February 1968 in Grenoble (French Alps), during the Winter Olympic Games. Fleming won the gold medal.
Students Rioting in Grosvenor Square in 1968 in London.
Students Rioting in Grosvenor Square in 1968 in London.
A male model poses in some of the most popular men's fashion of 1968.
A male model poses in some of the most popular men's fashion of 1968.
A poster for Gene Saks' 1968 comedy 'The Odd Couple' starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau.
A poster for Gene Saks' 1968 comedy 'The Odd Couple' starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau.
A group of models showcase 1968's hottest spring fashions.
A group of models showcase 1968's hottest spring fashions.
Women show off the hottest fashion of 1968.
Women show off the hottest fashion of 1968.
A young female protester wearing a helmet faces down helmeted and armed police officers at an anti-Vietnam War demonstration outside the 1968 Democratic National Convention, Chicago, Illinois, August 1968.
A young female protester wearing a helmet faces down helmeted and armed police officers at an anti-Vietnam War demonstration outside the 1968 Democratic National Convention, Chicago, Illinois, August 1968.
When Americans talk about the Sixties, they're really talking about 1968.
- In Vietnam, more American troops were in-country than any other year of the war.
- The assassinations of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy shocked the country and forever changed the political and social movements they led.
- The Beatles visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's transcendental mediation camp and came back to create their iconic White Album.
- Some of Hollywood's most iconic films ever – including "2001: A Space Odyssey," "Rosemary's Baby," "Barbarella," "Funny Girl" and "Planet of the Apes" – all battled for bucks at the box office.
- And movements of peace and protest commanded the streets of American cities in every state.
See some of the unforgettable moments and images that defined not only the year but an entire decade – and in many cases, the nation – in this photographic look-back at the year 1968.
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