The year 1968 is considered one of the most turbulent,
and pivotal, twelve month periods in American history.
This single year was a flashpoint for many of the social,
political, and cultural transformations for which the overall
decade of the 1960s is known. During these years, the United
States became entrenched in an unpopular war in Vietnam
abroad. Meanwhile, unrest, experimentation, violence, and
outspokenness raged throughout the nation. The Civil Rights
Movement gained momentum,sit-ins and riots became commonplace,
several beloved leaders were assassinated at critical junctures
in their careers. These years also marked cultural shifts as
nonconformity became prized by many young people and social
experimentation and psychedelic music became the rage in San
Francisco and elsewhere. Many consider these years divisive,
others shameful. Yet the transformations unleashed during these
years galvanized changes in American society that continue to
reverberate today.
1968 with Tom Brokaw is a two-hour special presentation featuring
extensive video footage and mesmerizing new interviews. This
documentary is based on the veteran news anchor's new book entitled
Boom! Voices of the Sixties: Personal Reflections on the '60s and
Today. Brokaw, a young journalist in 1968, takes us through the year's
most important events, aided by testimonies from those closest to the
action. Brokaw speaks to key leaders and participants in these events
including Andrew Young-- the former Mayor of Atlanta who was standing
next to Martin Luther King when he was assassinated and Rafer
Johnson—a close friend of Robert Kennedy who tackled the senator's
assassin in the kitchen of the Ambassador Hotel. Brokaw also speaks
with musicians Bruce Springsteen, Arlo Guthrie, and James Taylor.
Together, their insights help capture this dynamic and fascinating
year in history, bringing viewers a fresh and incisive view of 1968,
and what it all means today. Covering the political and personal, the
cultural and scientific, 1968 with Tom Brokaw explores and deciphers
this critical year in American History.
Curriculum Links:
1968 with Tom Brokaw would be an excellent addition American
History,20th Century History, Journalism, Current Events,
or Politics courses. Note: This documentary includes some
sensitive content, and is therefore recommended only for
mature high school students and college students. Teachers
should view this program before screening it to students.
This documentary fulfills the following standards as outlined
by the National Council for History Education: (1) Civilization,
cultural diffusion and innovation, (2) Human interaction with
the environment, (3) Values, beliefs, political ideas and
institutions, (4) Patterns of social and politica interaction,
and (5) Conflict and cooperation.
Teacher's Guide Available:
history.com/classroom