What happened in April 1968?
The top front-page story of each day in April 1968, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Apr 1🗳️ Johnson Won't Run – President Lyndon Johnson announces he will not seek re-election, citing national unity and a commitment to peace.
- Apr 2🗳️ Wisconsin Primary Results – Wisconsin primary loses significance as President Johnson's decision affects voter turnout and GOP crossovers.
- Apr 3🏅 U.S. Olympic Training Set – Top three in track trials will qualify for high-altitude drills starting September 14.
- Apr 4🔭 Listening to Signals – Scientists operate the world's largest antenna, listening for signals from space, advancing our understanding of the universe.
- Apr 5🏛️ HemisFair Opens Tomorrow – HemisFair, a world's fair in San Antonio, Texas, is set to open, showcasing culture and innovation in a unique setting.
- Apr 6🕊️ Dr. King's Assassination – The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shocks the world, prompting calls for peace and unity across racial lines.
- Apr 7⚽ Liverpool Tops Manchester – Liverpool defeats Manchester United 2-1, gaining a lead in the division on goal average.
- Apr 8🏁 Jim Clark Killed – Auto racing star Jim Clark dies in a crash during a race in Germany, shocking fans and the motorsport community.
- Apr 9🕊️ Dr. King's Rallies – Thousands gather in New York to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., expressing grief and respect at rallies in the Garment Center and U.N.
- Apr 10🏛️ Rockefeller Slum Plan Passed – Legislature approves a $6 billion program to improve slum conditions, reversing an earlier rejection.
- Apr 11🚢 Ferry Sinking Tragedy – Deaths in New Zealand ferry sinking may near 200, raising concerns over safety regulations and emergency response.
- Apr 12📜 Civil Rights Bill Signed – President signs a significant Civil Rights Bill emphasizing open housing, urging calm and further legislative action.
- Apr 13🎨 India's Art Show Ends – Prime Minister Indira Gandhi presents prizes at India's first international art show, marking a significant cultural milestone for Asia.
- Apr 14🔥 Vietnamese Forest Fire – A massive forest fire forces Vietcong to flee their stronghold in the Delta, with U.S. ships shelling the area.
- Apr 15🏌️ Goalby Wins Masters – Goalby wins the Masters after de Vicenzo's scorecard error costs him a tie, captivating millions of viewers.
- Apr 16🚀 U.S. Space Effort Shrinks – The U.S. space program is slowing down after a period of growth, with uncertain goals ahead.
- Apr 17🔬 Memory Transfer Findings – Scientist at Baylor reports successful memory transfer in rats, confirming earlier research on fear injection.
- Apr 18🏛️ Johnson and Park Meet – President Johnson reaffirms commitments to protect 'New Asia' during a conference with South Korean President Park in Hawaii.
- Apr 19📈 Market Mixed in Trading – Heavy trading leads to wide price swings; 791 issues rise, 179 set new highs, and the Dow advances 1.04.
- Apr 20🏃 Burfoot Wins Boston Marathon – Burfoot of Wesleyan becomes the first American in 11 years to win the Boston Marathon, finishing in 2:22:17.
- Apr 21🗺️ Antarctic Mapping Completed – An American team maps the last unexplored area of Antarctica, revealing a featureless region and sounding the depth of ice.
- Apr 22🌍 South Africa Barred – The Olympic Board votes to bar South Africa from the upcoming Mexico Games, reversing previous decisions amid international pressure.
- Apr 23🏛️ Czech Political Shifts – Major political changes in Czechoslovakia face pressure for economic reform amid a moderate pace of implementation.
- Apr 24🎭 Royal Ballet Opens – The Royal Ballet launches its season with 'Romeo and Juliet', starring Fonteyn and Nureyev, marking a significant cultural event.
- Apr 25🕊️ Nuclear Treaty Proposed – A draft nuclear treaty aimed at preventing the spread of arms was offered at the U.N. by the U.S., Soviet Union, and Britain.
- Apr 26✈️ United Orders Airbuses – United Airlines places a $465 million order for 30 McDonnell Douglas airbuses, marking a significant expansion in its fleet.
- Apr 27🔬 U.S. Underground Blast – Biggest underground blast in U.S. history creates vast cave; hydrogen test shakes Las Vegas but causes no damage.
- Apr 28🤖 Robot Builds Towers – A robot at M.I.T. constructs towers using toy blocks, showcasing advancements in robotics and automation.
- Apr 29🎉 Israel's 20th Anniversary – 40,000 march in New York's 5th Avenue Parade to celebrate Israel's 20th year of independence with music and festivities.
- Apr 30🌾 Soviet Wheat Aid Halted – Moscow stops wheat shipments to Czechoslovakia, citing grain shortages, while Prague sees political pressure behind the decision.
Happy Birthday! 1968 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1968 in real headlines. See the 1968 book →