1968 facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Millennium:	2nd millennium
Centuries:	19th century – 20th century – 21st century
Decades:	1930s 1940s 1950s – 1960s – 1970s 1980s 1990s
Years:	1965 1966 1967 – 1968 – 1969 1970 1971

The year 1968 (MCMLXVIII) was a time of many important changes and events around the world. It was a year that saw big shifts in politics, culture, and how people lived their lives. Many things that happened in 1968 helped shape the future.

What Happened in 1968?
- Major World Events
- New TV Shows
Famous People Born in 1968
Famous People Who Died in 1968
Popular Culture in 1968
- Movies Released
- Hit Songs
Images for kids
See also

What Happened in 1968?

Major World Events

January 5 – In Czechoslovakia, Alexander Dubček became the leader of the Communist Party. This started a period called the "Prague Spring". People hoped for more freedom.
January 15 – A strong earthquake hit Sicily, an island in Italy. Sadly, 231 people died and many more were hurt.
January 23 – North Korea captured the USS Pueblo, a United States Navy ship. North Korea said the ship was spying in their waters.
January 30 – The Vietnam War saw a major turning point. Forces from South Vietnam launched surprise attacks across South Vietnam. This was known as the Tet Offensive.
January 31 – As part of the Tet Offensive, South Vietnamese soldiers attacked the United States embassy in Saigon.
January 31 – The island nation of Nauru became independent from Australia. Its president, Hammer DeRoburt, declared its freedom.
April 4 – Martin Luther King Jr., a famous leader in the American Civil Rights Movement, was sadly shot and killed in Memphis, Tennessee.
June 5 – Robert F. Kennedy, a US politician, was shot and died the next day.
August 20 – The hopes of the "Prague Spring" in Czechoslovakia were crushed. Other countries from the Warsaw Pact invaded to stop the reforms.
December 22 – Mao Zedong, the leader of China, encouraged young people to move from cities to the countryside. This was part of a big movement in China.

New TV Shows

February 19 – The first episode of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood aired on PBS. It was hosted by Fred Rogers, who taught children about kindness and feelings.

Famous People Born in 1968

Many people who are famous today were born in 1968. Here are some of them:

January 14 – LL Cool J, an American singer and musician.
January 28 – Sarah McLachlan, a Canadian musician.
January 30 – Crown Prince Felipe of Spain (who is now King Felipe VI of Spain).
February 1 – Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of famous singer Elvis Presley.
February 8 – Gary Coleman, an American actor.
February 18 – Molly Ringwald, an American actress.
March 2 – Daniel Craig, a British actor known for playing James Bond.
March 30 – Céline Dion, a very famous Canadian singer.
May 26 – Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark.
May 28 – Kylie Minogue, an Australian singer and actress.
July 16 – Larry Sanger, one of the people who helped create Wikipedia.
August 9 – Gillian Anderson, an American actress.
September 25 – Will Smith, a popular American actor and singer.
September 28 – Naomi Watts, an American actress.
October 12 – Hugh Jackman, an Australian actor.
December 2 – Lucy Liu, an American actress.

Famous People Who Died in 1968

The year 1968 also saw the passing of several important figures:

March 27 – Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut. He was the first human to travel into outer space.
April 4 – Martin Luther King Jr., the American civil rights activist mentioned earlier.
June 1 – Helen Keller, an American educator and author. She was deaf and blind but achieved amazing things.
June 6 – Robert F. Kennedy, the American politician mentioned earlier.
November 28 – Enid Blyton, a popular British writer of children's books.
December 20 – John Steinbeck, a famous American writer.