Major Events of June 1968: Key Historical Moments from the Month
Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from June 1968 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.
Major Events of June 1968: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 01 Jun 1968 Helen Keller dies at age 87 in Connecticut: Helen Keller, the renowned author and educator who overcame the challenges of being both blind and deaf, passed away on June 1, 1968, at her home in Easton, Connecticut, at the age of 87. source: britannica.com
- 05 Jun 1968 Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy: Robert F. Kennedy, a U.S. Senator and presidential candidate, was assassinated in Los Angeles shortly after delivering a victory speech. He was shot by Sirhan Sirhan and died from his injuries the next day. This event had a profound impact on American politics and society. source: britannica.com
- 06 Jun 1968 Don Drysdale's Scoreless Innings Record: On June 6, 1968, Don Drysdale of the Los Angeles Dodgers set a Major League Baseball record by pitching 58 consecutive scoreless innings. This achievement solidified his reputation as one of the great pitchers of his era. source: baseball-reference.com
- 07 Jun 1968 Ford Dagenham Equal Pay Strike Begins: The Ford Dagenham Equal Pay Strike began on June 7, 1968, when female workers protested for equal pay for equal work. This strike was a significant event in the fight for gender equality in the workplace in the UK. source: bbc.com
- 08 Jun 1968 James Earl Ray arrested for MLK assassination: James Earl Ray was arrested in London for the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This arrest marked a pivotal moment in the investigation of King's murder. source: nytimes.com
- 09 Jun 1968 National Day of Mourning for Robert F. Kennedy in the U.S.: Following the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy on June 5, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed June 9 as a national day of mourning. Flags were flown at half-staff on all federal buildings, and citizens were encouraged to observe the day in memory of Kennedy. source: presidency.ucsb.edu
- 10 Jun 1968 General Creighton Abrams takes command in Vietnam: On June 10, 1968, General Creighton Abrams assumed command of U.S. military operations in Vietnam, succeeding General William Westmoreland. Abrams' leadership marked a shift in U.S. military strategy during the Vietnam War. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 Jun 1968 Atlanta Federal Penitentiary inmate uprising: On June 11, 1968, inmates at the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary staged a significant uprising, protesting conditions and treatment. The event highlighted issues within the prison system and drew national attention to inmate rights. source: nytimes.com
- 12 Jun 1968 French government restricts demonstrations: On June 12, 1968, the French government imposed restrictions on public demonstrations amid widespread protests and civil unrest. This move was part of a broader effort to maintain order during a period of significant social upheaval in France. source: bbc.com
- 13 Jun 1968 Earl Warren's Supreme Court Resignation Announcement: On June 13, 1968, Chief Justice Earl Warren informed President Lyndon B. Johnson of his intention to retire from the Supreme Court, effective upon the confirmation of his successor. Warren's decision was influenced by concerns over the upcoming presidential election and the possibility of a conservative successor being appointed by Richard Nixon. source: senate.gov
- 14 Jun 1968 Off-duty Dutch military permitted to wear regular clothing: On June 14, 1968, the Dutch military announced that off-duty personnel were permitted to wear civilian clothing, marking a significant change in military dress code policy. source: brainyhistory.com
- 15 Jun 1968 Broadway musical 'I Do! I Do!' concludes long run: The Broadway musical 'I Do! I Do!' closed on June 15, 1968, after 560 performances at the 46th Street Theatre. The show, which opened on December 5, 1966, starred Mary Martin and Robert Preston in the original cast. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 16 Jun 1968 French police clear Sorbonne during student protests: On June 16, 1968, French police evicted student protesters who had occupied the Sorbonne at the University of Paris. Hundreds of students assembled outside the historic building, and riot police used tear gas and concussion grenades to disperse them. The protesters peacefully filed out after being informed they would be searched for arms but not arrested. No firearms were found, but several hundred clubs, gas masks, and leftist pamphlets were collected. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 19 Jun 1968 Poor People's Campaign Solidarity Day March: On June 19, 1968, the Poor People's Campaign held a Solidarity Day march in Washington, D.C., drawing between 50,000 and 100,000 participants advocating for economic justice and an end to poverty. source: britannica.com
- 22 Jun 1968 Top US Song: This Guy's In Love With You: On June 22, 1968, 'This Guy's In Love With You' by Herb Alpert was the number one song in the United States. source: mybirthdayhits.com
- 24 Jun 1968 Sandra Post wins LPGA Championship: Canadian golfer Sandra Post won the LPGA Championship on June 24, 1968, becoming the first Canadian to win a major championship on the LPGA Tour.
- 25 Jun 1968 Tony Hancock's tragic end: Tony Hancock, a renowned British comedian, tragically died on June 25, 1968, in Sydney, Australia. His death was ruled a suicide, marking a significant loss in the world of comedy and entertainment. source: bbc.com
- 26 Jun 1968 Iwo Jima and Bonin Islands returned to Japan: On June 26, 1968, the United States officially returned the islands of Iwo Jima and the Bonin Islands to Japan. This event marked a significant step in post-war relations between the two nations. source: bbc.com
- 27 Jun 1968 Manifest of 2000 Words published in Prague: On June 27, 1968, the 'Manifest of 2000 Words' was published in Prague, calling for political reforms in Czechoslovakia. This document became a symbol of the Prague Spring movement and the push for greater freedoms. source: bbc.com
- 30 Jun 1968 French Parliamentary Election: The Gaullist Union pour la défense de la République won an absolute majority in the French National Assembly. source: en.wikipedia.org