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Major Events of May 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 May 1968 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of May 1968: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 May 1968 Broadway play 'Ben Franklin in Paris' concludes run: The Broadway play 'Ben Franklin in Paris' concluded its run on May 1, 1968. The musical, which focused on the life of Benjamin Franklin, was well-received during its time on stage. It showcased the cultural landscape of the era and contributed to the theatrical scene of the late 1960s. source: ibdb.com
  • 02 May 1968 Journalists murdered in Saigon: On May 2, 1968, two journalists were murdered in Saigon during the Vietnam War. This incident highlighted the dangers faced by reporters covering the conflict and drew international attention to the ongoing violence in the region. The event underscored the risks associated with war reporting. source: nytimes.com
  • 03 May 1968 Sorbonne student protests begin: The Sorbonne student protests began on May 3, 1968, in Paris, marking a significant moment in the student movement. These protests were part of a larger wave of civil unrest that swept through France and influenced global student activism. The events at the Sorbonne became emblematic of the 1968 protests. source: bbc.com
  • 04 May 1968 Pittsburgh Pipers win inaugural ABA Championship: On May 4, 1968, the Pittsburgh Pipers defeated the New Orleans Buccaneers 122-113 in Game 7 of the ABA Finals at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena, clinching the first-ever ABA Championship. source: barstoolsports.com
  • 06 May 1968 Detailed account of Paris student demonstrations: On May 6, 1968, a detailed account of the Paris student demonstrations was published, highlighting the escalating tensions between students and authorities. The report covered the mass arrests at the Sorbonne, the construction of barricades by protesters, and the broader social and political implications of the unrest. This account provided in-depth insights into the motivations and actions of the student protesters. source: britannica.com
  • 07 May 1968 May 1968 Paris student protests: On May 7, 1968, the Paris student protests continued to escalate. Following the violent confrontations on May 6, students and teachers marched toward the Sorbonne, leading to further clashes with police. The protests were part of a broader movement that included workers' strikes and widespread demonstrations across France. source: britannica.com
  • 08 May 1968 William Styron wins Pulitzer Prize for 'The Confessions of Nat Turner': In 1968, William Styron's novel 'The Confessions of Nat Turner' was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. The novel, published in 1967, presents a first-person narrative by Nat Turner, leader of the 1831 slave rebellion in Virginia. Despite its critical acclaim, the book sparked controversy for its portrayal of Turner and the events of the rebellion. source: nationalbook.org
  • 10 May 1968 Paris Peace Talks: US and North Vietnam Negotiate Vietnam War Resolution: On May 10, 1968, representatives from the United States and North Vietnam met in Paris to initiate peace negotiations aimed at resolving the Vietnam War. This marked the first direct meeting between the two nations regarding the conflict. source: upi.com
  • 11 May 1968 Night of the Barricades in Paris: On May 11, 1968, the 'Night of the Barricades' occurred in Paris, where students and workers erected barricades in the Latin Quarter to protest police actions and university closures, leading to violent clashes with authorities. source: abc.net.au
  • 12 May 1968 March of the Poor Reaches Washington DC: On May 12, 1968, the Poor People's Campaign, led by Martin Luther King Jr.'s associates, culminated in a march to Washington, D.C. This event aimed to address poverty and economic injustice in America, drawing attention to the struggles of marginalized communities. source: britannica.com
  • 13 May 1968 Mass Protest Against French Government Leadership: On May 13, 1968, mass protests erupted in France against the government of President Charles de Gaulle. This was part of a larger wave of civil unrest that characterized the May 1968 events, driven by student and worker dissatisfaction with the political and social climate. source: britannica.com
  • 14 May 1968 Prague Spring: Dubček's Liberalization Reforms: On May 14, 1968, Alexander Dubček's government in Czechoslovakia continued its liberalization reforms, known as the Prague Spring. These reforms aimed to create 'socialism with a human face' and led to significant political changes in the region. source: britannica.com
  • 15 May 1968 First American League game in Milwaukee: On May 15, 1968, the Chicago White Sox played their first American League game in Milwaukee at County Stadium, marking the return of Major League Baseball to the city. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 17 May 1968 European Space Research Organization Satellite Launch: The European Space Research Organisation (ESRO) successfully launched its first satellite, ESRO-2B, into orbit on May 17, 1968. The satellite was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, USA, and became the first mission controlled by teams at the European Space Operations Centre in Darmstadt, Germany. source: esa.int
  • 19 May 1968 Nigerian military captures Port Harcourt during Biafran War: On May 19, 1968, Nigerian forces captured Port Harcourt, a strategic city in southeastern Nigeria, during the Biafran War. The Nigerian 3rd Marine Commando Division, led by General Benjamin Adekunle, launched an amphibious assault on the city, leading to the retreat of Biafran forces. This victory was significant as it cut off Biafra's access to the sea, impacting their supply lines. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 21 May 1968 Soviet Union conducts underground nuclear test: On May 21, 1968, the Soviet Union performed an underground nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in Kazakhstan. This test was part of a series of 17 nuclear tests conducted by the Soviet Union in 1968. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 22 May 1968 USS Scorpion nuclear submarine lost: On May 22, 1968, the USS Scorpion (SSN-589), a Skipjack-class nuclear-powered submarine, was lost southwest of the Azores. The submarine, returning from a Mediterranean deployment, reported its position on May 21, 1968, but was reported overdue six days later. Despite extensive search efforts, the submarine and its 99-member crew were declared 'presumed lost' on June 5, 1968. The cause of the loss remains a mystery. source: history.navy.mil
  • 23 May 1968 Beatles open Apple Boutique in London: The Beatles opened their Apple Boutique in London on May 23, 1968. This store was part of their Apple Corps venture, aimed at promoting art and music. It featured a variety of products, including clothing and art, reflecting the counterculture of the time. source: bbc.com
  • 24 May 1968 French May 1968 political crisis escalates: The political crisis in France intensified on May 24, 1968, as protests and strikes spread across the country. This period marked significant social upheaval, challenging the government and leading to widespread demonstrations. source: bbc.com
  • 25 May 1968 French political unrest in May 1968: In May 1968, France experienced significant political unrest characterized by widespread protests and strikes. The unrest was driven by student activism and labor movements, leading to a crisis that challenged the government of President Charles de Gaulle. source: britannica.com
  • 26 May 1968 Iceland's traffic transition to right-hand driving: On May 26, 1968, Iceland officially transitioned from left-hand to right-hand traffic. This significant change aimed to improve road safety and align with most European countries' driving practices. source: bbc.com
  • 27 May 1968 George W. Bush joins Texas Air National Guard: On May 27, 1968, George W. Bush enlisted in the Texas Air National Guard. This decision was significant in his early life and later political career, as it provided him with military experience during the Vietnam War era. source: nytimes.com
  • 28 May 1968 Eugene McCarthy wins Oregon Democratic Primary: On May 28, 1968, Eugene McCarthy won the Oregon Democratic Primary, a significant event in his campaign for the 1968 Democratic presidential nomination. His strong performance in Oregon contributed to his momentum in the race. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 29 May 1968 US Truth in Lending Act signed: The Truth in Lending Act was signed into law on May 29, 1968, to promote informed use of consumer credit by requiring disclosures about its terms and cost. This legislation aimed to protect consumers from deceptive lending practices and ensure transparency in credit transactions. source: congress.gov
  • 30 May 1968 Charles de Gaulle turns tide in May 1968 French crisis: On May 30, 1968, French President Charles de Gaulle addressed the nation, asserting his leadership during a period of civil unrest and student protests. His speech aimed to restore order and confidence in the government amid widespread strikes and demonstrations. source: bbc.com
  • 31 May 1968 Manchester United wins European Cup: On May 31, 1968, Manchester United won the European Cup, becoming the first English club to achieve this feat. The victory was a significant milestone in the club's history and marked a turning point in English football. source: bbc.com