Amy Bosma Professor Frazer AMH2020-Monday 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. 16 April 2017 1968: The Year of Trauma The 1960’s may be best described as a stormy time for the American people and nation. With civil rights demonstrations and protesters speaking their minds about the Vietnam War, the divide between classes, races, and political ideologies grew larger. Meanwhile, the white, middle class gained an affluent strong hold, as poverty gripped the other half; mainly the elderly, African Americans, Hispanics, and rural farmers. The 1960’s saw a slightly higher unemployment rate especially among minorities facing discrimination in not only employment, but housing and education. While many of these social issues contributed to the upheavals of the 1960’s, the trauma’s facing the nation reached a climax in 1968. With outrage, the Tet Offensive stunned the nation, then the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., and …show more content…
With television news media broadcasting war events, American’s watched in horror the shooting of a Viet Cong soldier in the head. With the public outraged, disapproval for the war increased twofold. What followed the incident was an increase in war protests and demonstrations against the Vietnam War. Next, the civil rights movement forever changed society and is recognized as one of the most important historical events in the United States. Martin Luther King Jr. sought to lead peaceful demonstrations and work to end racial discrimination and segregation through nonviolent means. However, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee by James Earl Ray. Thus, the nation reacted in anger, especially the African American communities, while others mourned, riots ensued in major cities. While some engaged in silent, peaceful vigils, others participated in violent