23 Iconic Photos From 1968 That Show What the World Was Like
1968 was a year of intense emotion, change, and defiance. Around the world, people were living through moments that would define an era.
From the triumph of the Apollo missions to the struggles of civil unrest, each moment captured tells its own powerful story.
Today, we will take a look at 23 iconic images that offer a glimpse into a world on the edge of transformation. As you explore these moments, you’ll witness the triumphs, challenges, and shifts that helped shape our history.
1. Apollo 8 Earthrise
In a year packed with drama, Apollo 8’s Earthrise photo offered a serene view of our planet, floating in the vastness of space.
This image, taken by astronaut William Anders, showed Earth rising above the lunar surface, bathed in soft blues and whites. It was a moment that united humanity, highlighting our shared home amidst the cosmos.
The awe-inspiring sight marked a major milestone in the space race, capturing imaginations worldwide. It reminded everyone of the fragility and beauty of our world.
2. Tet Offensive
As the Vietnam War raged on, the Tet Offensive marked a critical turning point in 1968. This surprise attack by North Vietnamese forces on the Vietnamese New Year caught many off guard. Streets, once bustling with daily life, became battlegrounds.
The images of devastation and bravery emerged, showing the harsh realities of war. For many, these photos shifted public perception, fueling anti-war sentiment.
The intensity captured in these images conveyed the complexities and heartbreak of conflict, forever shaping the narrative of the Vietnam War.
3. Prague Spring
In the heart of Europe, 1968 witnessed a fleeting moment of hope known as the Prague Spring. Citizens in Czechoslovakia, yearning for freedom, took to the streets. Armed with banners and flowers, they protested against an oppressive regime.
Photographs from this uprising captured the courage and camaraderie of the people. Though the movement was eventually crushed by Soviet tanks, the images continue to inspire.
They serve as a testament to the enduring human spirit, a visual echo of the desire for liberty and reform.
4. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Funeral
The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. sent shockwaves around the world, and his funeral was a moment of profound mourning and reflection.
Thousands gathered in Atlanta to honor a man who had championed equality and justice with unwavering faith.
Photos of the funeral procession, attended by diverse crowds, reveal a nation grappling with grief and determination.
These images immortalized a pivotal moment in history, capturing the collective sorrow and resolve to continue King’s legacy. Even in death, his influence was unmistakable.
5. Paris Student Riots
The streets of Paris became a canvas of chaos in May 1968, as students rallied for change. Protests erupted, driven by demands for educational and social reforms.
The scenes were filled with makeshift barricades, passionate chants, and fervent energy.
Images from these riots highlight the power of youth united in their quest for a better future. They capture the fiery spirit of a generation unwilling to settle for the status quo. The Paris Student Riots signaled a seismic shift, echoing loud and clear across the globe.
6. Mexico City Olympics Black Power Salute
At the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, a silent gesture spoke volumes. Athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos, standing on the podium, raised their fists in a Black Power salute, making a bold statement against racial inequality.
This iconic moment, captured in vivid detail, resonated worldwide, sparking both admiration and controversy. The photo is a powerful reminder of the athletes’ courage and the ongoing fight for civil rights.
It served as a pivotal point in the intersection of sports and societal change, forever etching itself into history.
7. Democratic National Convention Protest
Outside the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, tension boiled over into what became known as the “Battle of Michigan Avenue.” Protesters, advocating for peace and political change, clashed with heavily armed police.
The images from this confrontation were raw and unfiltered, capturing the stark divide between authority and activism.
These photos encapsulated a nation embroiled in discord and yearning for transformation. They stand as a visceral reminder of the turbulent times and the unyielding spirit of those who dared to dissent.
8. Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy
In 1968, tragedy struck with the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. The chaotic aftermath left the nation in disbelief and mourning.
Kennedy’s death marked the loss of a leader who symbolized hope and change, leaving a country shaken and heartbroken.
The event was a stark reminder of the turbulent times and the deep wounds felt by many. It remains a moment in history that captured the sorrow and uncertainty of an entire nation.
9. Miss America Protest
In 1968, the Miss America pageant faced an unexpected spectacle—a feminist protest that challenged traditional notions of beauty and gender roles.
Demonstrators gathered outside the venue in Atlantic City, holding signs and tossing symbols of oppression, like bras and girdles, into a “Freedom Trash Can.”
The images from this event captured the spirited defiance and wit of the protestors. Their actions marked a significant moment in the feminist movement, sparking dialogues on women’s rights.
These photos continue to inspire conversations about equality and empowerment.
10. Biafra Famine
The Biafra famine of 1968 painted a harrowing picture of human suffering. As a result of civil war in Nigeria, countless images emerged showing emaciated children and desperate families struggling to survive.
These photos struck a chord globally, mobilizing humanitarian aid and awareness. The stark visuals conveyed the dire consequences of conflict and neglect, urging the world to take action.
They remain powerful reminders of the need for compassion and intervention in times of crisis, highlighting the tragic cost of war on innocent lives.
11. Apollo 7 Mission
The Apollo 7 mission of 1968 marked NASA’s triumphant return to manned spaceflight after the Apollo 1 tragedy. Photographs from this mission featured astronauts aboard the command module, executing critical tests and maneuvers.
The imagery of Earth from space, paired with the astronauts’ teamwork, captivated audiences worldwide. These images underscored the era’s pioneering spirit and technological advancements.
Apollo 7’s success laid the groundwork for future lunar missions, embodying human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of knowledge that defined the space race.
12. Glenville Shootout
A standoff in Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood erupted into a violent shootout in July 1968, highlighting racial tensions in America. The encounter involved militants and police, leading to casualties and chaos.
Photos from this event reveal the intensity and discord that characterized the era. The stark images of the shootout served as a chilling reflection of the civil rights struggles and the desperate cry for justice and reform.
These photos remain poignant reminders of the turbulent social landscape and the ongoing fight against racial inequality.
13. Civil Rights Act of 1968 Signing
The signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 was a landmark moment, captured in photos that radiated hope and progress.
President Lyndon B. Johnson, surrounded by lawmakers and activists, enacted legislation aiming to end discrimination in housing.
The images from this occasion are symbolic of a nation striving for equality and justice. They reflect a significant step forward in the civil rights movement, embodying the dreams and aspirations of countless individuals.
This visual moment continues to inspire advocacy and the relentless pursuit of justice.
14. 1968 Democratic Convention Yippie Protest
The 1968 Democratic Convention wasn’t just marked by chaos; it was also a stage for the Yippies’ theatrical protests. This countercultural group, led by Abbie Hoffman, brought a unique flair to the demonstrations in Chicago.
Their colorful costumes and creative antics were captured in photos that depicted a blend of humor and activism.
These images showcased the vibrancy of the era’s counterculture, highlighting the Yippies’ role in challenging the political status quo. Their playful yet pointed protests remain a memorable aspect of the 1968 convention.
15. Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test
The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, epitomized by Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters, was a colorful symbol of the psychedelic movement. Photos of their wildly decorated bus and free-spirited gatherings capture the era’s experimental essence.
These images highlight a community united by exploration and creative rebellion. The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test wasn’t just about psychedelics; it was a cultural statement, challenging norms and embracing new ways of thinking.
16. San Francisco Peace March
San Francisco, a hub of activism in the 1960s, witnessed a massive peace march in 1968. Thousands took to the streets, waving banners and chanting slogans against the Vietnam War.
Photos from this event capture the collective yearning for peace and change. The diverse crowd, unified by a common cause, symbolized the broad anti-war sentiment sweeping the nation.
These images stand as a testament to the power of peaceful protest and the enduring hope for a more harmonious world, resonating with the ideals of the era.
17. Poor People’s Campaign
In 1968, the Poor People’s Campaign highlighted the struggles against economic injustice in America. Led by Martin Luther King Jr. and continued after his assassination, the campaign culminated in Washington D.C.
Photos show diverse participants assembling in makeshift tents, demanding economic opportunity and justice. These images encapsulate the campaign’s urgency and the fight against poverty.
They continue to inspire social justice movements, echoing the call for a fairer society, where economic and racial inequalities are addressed with compassion and commitment.
18. Nixon Elected President
The election of Richard Nixon as the 37th President of the United States in 1968 was a pivotal moment, captured in jubilant images. Photos show Nixon with supporters, celebrating his victory amidst a nation divided by war and social upheaval.
These images reflect the complex political landscape of the time, highlighting Nixon’s appeal to the “silent majority.”
His election marked a shift in American politics, influencing the nation’s trajectory. The images remain emblematic of a turning point, capturing the hopes and challenges of the era’s political climate.
19. The Beatles’ Apple Corps Launch
In the heart of London, The Beatles launched their Apple Corps, a multimedia corporation that aimed to revolutionize the music and entertainment industry.
The photograph showcases John, Paul, George, and Ringo standing proudly outside their new venture, marking a significant moment in pop culture.
The Beatles’ leap into the business world signaled a new era of artist-driven control, a bold move during a time of immense cultural change. Apple Corps became a hub of creativity, influencing music, art, and fashion.
Despite initial challenges, the spirit of innovation thrived within Apple Corps. This photo captures their vision of a world where art transcends traditional boundaries.
20. The Troubles in Northern Ireland
1968 marked the beginning of The Troubles in Northern Ireland, a conflict that would last decades. Photos from this period reveal the tension and unrest, with soldiers patrolling streets and communities divided by barricades.
These images capture the deep-seated political and religious divisions, highlighting the human cost of conflict. They serve as a poignant reminder of the struggle for peace and reconciliation.
The photos from this era remain powerful, urging reflection on the past and the ongoing quest for unity and understanding.
21. Women’s Liberation Movement
The Women’s Liberation Movement gained momentum in 1968, with rallies and demonstrations advocating for gender equality. Photos from these events show women passionately holding signs, demanding equal rights and opportunities.
These images highlight the determination and solidarity of the movement, capturing a pivotal moment in the fight for women’s rights.
The photos continue to inspire future generations, reflecting the ongoing struggle for gender equality and justice. They stand as a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring quest for equality.
22. The First Big Mac
In 1968, McDonald’s introduced the world to the Big Mac. This new burger quickly captured the public’s imagination and became a symbol of American fast food culture.
The Big Mac’s success was attributed to its unique combination of flavors and the innovative marketing strategies utilized by McDonald’s.
Over the decades, the Big Mac has grown to become an international icon, symbolizing globalization and the fast-paced lifestyle of modern society.
23. Vietnam War Protests in Washington D.C.
In 1968, Washington D.C. became a hub for anti-Vietnam War protests. Thousands gathered to express their opposition to U.S. military involvement in Vietnam.
The Washington Monument served as a backdrop for these passionate demonstrations, where voices called for peace. Protesters from all walks of life joined together, creating a broad coalition that transcended age and race.
The protests played a critical role in shaping public opinion and influencing political discourse. They highlighted the growing discontent with America’s foreign policy and the desire for a peaceful resolution.