Ep 2. Spring

In the second episode of "1968: The Year That Changed America" titled "Spring," viewers are transported back to a time of great social and political turmoil in the United States. Spring of 1968 was marked by a series of significant events that would have lasting impacts on American society.

The episode begins by focusing on the Vietnam War, which continued to rage on despite growing opposition from Americans back home. The Tet Offensive, launched by the North Vietnamese army, marked a turning point in the war and exposed the hard truth that victory was unlikely. The offensive shocked Americans, who had been told that the war was going well and that the end was in sight. The footage of the fighting, which was broadcast on television, showed that the reality was very different.

The episode then shifts its focus to the civil rights movement, which was also gaining momentum in the spring of 1968. The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in April of that year sparked a wave of riots and protests, particularly in African American communities. King had been a leader and inspiration for the movement, and his death was deeply felt by many across the country.

As the episode progresses, viewers are introduced to some of the key figures of the time. Bobby Kennedy, who was running for president, is shown addressing a crowd on the night of King's assassination. His words were powerful and emotional, and demonstrated his ability to connect with voters on a deeply personal level. The episode also highlights the work of Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers, who were fighting for the rights of migrant workers in California.

Throughout the episode, viewers are reminded of the profound sense of uncertainty and fear that permeated American society in the spring of 1968. Vietnam, civil rights, and other issues were tearing the country apart, and many were unsure what the future held. Despite this, there were glimmers of hope and progress. The episode ends with the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, which represented a significant step forward in the fight for equality.

Overall, "Spring" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that vividly captures the spirit of the time. Through a combination of archival footage, interviews, and expert analysis, viewers are transported back to a time of great upheaval and change. Despite the challenges and obstacles, the episode reminds us that there were many who fought for what was right and just, and that their work continues to inspire us today.