What happened in September 1968?
The top front-page story of each day in September 1968, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Sep 1🌍 Czech Leadership Revision – The Czech Party convenes to revise its leadership, expected to oust members deemed unacceptable to the Soviet Union.
- Sep 2🌍 Iran Earthquake Toll – Iran's earthquake death toll reaches 8,000, with thousands more affected by severe tremors in the region.
- Sep 3🌍 Iran Earthquake Toll – Relief officials in Iran announce the death toll from the recent earthquake has now reached 12,000.
- Sep 4🌍 Prague Troop Pullout Expected – Prague anticipates a troop withdrawal as Russian guards leave key buildings, signaling a shift in control.
- Sep 5🎶 International Music Congress – Sixth International Music Congress opens in the U.S., featuring delegates from the Soviet Bloc and showcasing global musical collaboration.
- Sep 6🎭 Greek Comedy Revived – An updated version of Aristophanes' 'Birds' is set to be staged with music at Vivian Beaumont Theatre.
- Sep 7⚡ Historic Merger Announced – English Electric Co. and British General Electric plan a $2 billion merger, creating the world's 4th largest electrical manufacturer.
- Sep 8🚢 Bright Future for Hydrofoil – A new 75-passenger hydrofoil ferry is set to enhance travel on Puget Sound, promising better wave resistance and efficiency.
- Sep 9🏆 Wade Wins U.S. Open – Miss Wade defeats Mrs. King 6-4, 6-2 to claim the U.S. Open Tennis Title, earning $14,000 in the process.
- Sep 10🎨 U.S. Art Exhibition Opens – John F. Kensett's show at Whitney highlights 19th-century U.S. art, showcasing its significance in modernism.
- Sep 11🏅 Hines Wins Olympic Trials – Hines takes the 100-meter dash final in 10 seconds at the Olympic Track Trials, showcasing his sprinting prowess.
- Sep 12🏅 World Record Set – Vanderstock sets world record of 48.8 seconds in the 400-meter hurdles trial, securing Olympic berth for multiple athletes.
- Sep 13🏅 World Record Vault – Seagren sets a world record by vaulting 17 feet 9 inches at the U.S. Track Trials, showcasing athletic excellence.
- Sep 14⚾ Mets Rookie Shuts Out – Koosman leads Mets to a 2-0 victory over Pirates, equaling the rookie shutout record with his 18th win.
- Sep 15🏅 Czechoslovak Team Olympic – Czechoslovak athletes are set to leave for the Olympics as occupation difficulties ease, with 14 athletes departing today.
- Sep 16🏆 Palmer Wins Kemper Open – Arnold Palmer shoots a 67 for a total of 276, winning the Kemper Open by four shots, showcasing his golfing prowess.
- Sep 17🌍 World Bank Bond Issue – $250 million bond issue set by World Bank to yield 6.40%, impacting global credit markets.
- Sep 18🏊 44 Swimming Records Set – International Federation approves 44 world records in swimming, highlighting achievements of young athletes.
- Sep 19🗳️ Last Trace of Slavery Erased – The fall of Sheiks and Sultans in Southern Yemen results in the liberation of descendants of Africans from slavery.
- Sep 20🏙️ Harlem's Harmony Found – A report reveals that Harlem's white population of 8,000 lives in harmony with the Black community, showcasing social integration.
- Sep 21⚾ Mets Win Doubleheader – The Mets defeat the Phillies in a thrilling doubleheader, with Tom Seaver earning his 15th victory of the season.
- Sep 22🌍 Jerusalem Science Park – Jerusalem plans to develop a science-based industry park, with Hebrew University playing a key role in this governmental initiative.
- Sep 23🏎️ McLaren-Fords Win Grand Prix – McLaren-Fords finish first and second in the Grand Prix of Canada, with Hulme taking the victory and tying for the series lead.
- Sep 24🔬 Drilling Ship Discovery – A scientific vessel pauses its voyage after discovering oil deep in the Gulf, marking a significant find in energy exploration.
- Sep 25🌍 Biafra Relief Operation – Airlift operations transform Sao Tome into a major center for humanitarian assistance for Biafra, ensuring adequate supplies and support.
- Sep 26🏛️ Kiesinger Urges Defense – Kiesinger calls for a stronger West German defense policy amid the Czech crisis, advocating for a balanced approach.
- Sep 27🌍 Thant Proposes Meeting – U.N. Secretary-General U Thant calls for a meeting of the Big Four to address rising global tensions and insecurity.
- Sep 28🌍 U.N. Inspects Israel – U.N. Council votes 12-0 to seek permission to inspect land held by Israel regarding treatment of Arabs.
- Sep 29🏎️ Racing Circus at Watkins – Formula One drivers prepare for a thrilling race at Watkins Glen, competing for a $105,400 purse next Sunday.
- Sep 30🌍 Soviet Action in Balkans – Soviet actions against Czechoslovakia lead to new alignments and cooperation among Yugoslavia, Austria, Italy, and Albania.
Happy Birthday! 1968 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1968 in real headlines. See the 1968 book →
Born in September? Pick the day
Every birthday in September has its own On This Day in Headlines book: