Tempestuous and turbulent year of 1968 in American History

This essay assignment will focus on the tempestuous and turbulent year of 1968 in American History.

“1968 is often called a pivotal year for America. Was 1968 ‘pivotal’? Why or why not”

Assigned Readings:

Chapter 29 in The Unfinished Nation

Excerpt from Terry Anderson, The Sixties (see attachment)

In writing your response you must answer the question definitively, so do not straddle the fence and or be ambiguous with your answer. In the first paragraph of your essay you should define “pivotal.” Use only the sources provided, and make sure you use and cite all of the sources provided.

Focus Events:

You are not required to include these events in your essay, they are provided only to stimulate your thinking on the assignment.

• Tet Offensive

• Domestic opposition to the war in Vietnam

• Assassinations of Martin L. King and Robert Kennedy

• Presidential election of 1968

• Democratic Nominating Convention in Chicago

• Commission on Civil Disorders

• 1968 around the world

Your essay should be at least 3 full pages in length, double-spaced, and provide support for your answer. Your grade will be based upon: 1) the logic and coherence of your answer; 2) definitively answering the question and providing support; 3) grammar and organization.

Please review the course syllabus and the writing reminders handout for general guidelines for essays.