Ep 8. 1968 (1968)

In the eighth episode of The Sixties, titled "1968," viewers are taken on a journey through one of the most tumultuous years in United States history. The episode explores the political, social, and cultural events that rocked the nation, ranging from the Vietnam War to the civil rights movement.

The episode begins by examining the anti-war protests that took place across the country in response to the escalating conflict in Vietnam. Viewers see footage of demonstrations, sit-ins, and other acts of civil disobedience as young Americans voice their opposition to the war and call for its end.

From there, the focus shifts to the civil rights movement and the struggles of African Americans to gain equal rights and protections under the law. The episode delves into the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., who was gunned down on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. Through archival footage and interviews with activists and historians, The Sixties explores the fallout from King's murder and the subsequent riots that erupted in cities across the country.

The episode also covers the presidential campaign of Richard Nixon, who won the election in November of 1968. Viewers see how the Nixon campaign used the unrest and turmoil of the year to position themselves as the party of law and order, promising to restore calm and stability to the nation.

Another area of focus in the episode is the counterculture movement, which was at its peak in 1968. The Sixties explores the rise of hippie culture, the sexual revolution, and the emergence of rock music as a powerful force for social change. Viewers are given a glimpse of the iconic Woodstock festival, which took place in August of 1969 and became a defining moment for the counterculture movement.

Throughout the episode, The Sixties examines the impact that the events of 1968 had on the country and how they continue to shape American society. Viewers see how the year's turmoil and unrest paved the way for social and political changes that would lead to greater equality and justice for all Americans.

In conclusion, the eighth episode of The Sixties, titled "1968," offers a comprehensive look at one of the most significant years in American history. From the anti-war protests to the civil rights movement to the emergence of the counterculture, the episode covers all of the major events and movements that defined the year. Through archival footage, interviews, and analysis, viewers are given a deeper understanding of the impact that these events had on the nation and how they continue to shape our world today.