What Happened This Year 1968
Historical Events from This Year 1968
Zond 5 Becomes First to Fly Around the Moon
The Soviet Zond 5 spacecraft was launched, marking a significant milestone as the first spacecraft to orbit the Moon and successfully return to Earth. The mission was engineered by the Soviet space program, with the primary goal of sending biological specimens to the Moon. Zond 5 launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and completed its lunar flyby, successfully landing back on Earth after a journey that lasted nearly eight days. The onboard passengers included several tortoises and other biological materials, aimed at studying the effects of space travel on living organisms.
Continue ReadingBoeing 747 Unveiled to Public Audience
The Boeing 747 was rolled out for its public debut at a ceremony held at Boeing's Plant 2 in Everett, Washington. This iconic passenger aircraft, famously known as the 'Jumbo Jet,' represented a leap in aviation technology and design. Featured at the event was a scaled model and unique interior layout showcasing its capacity to carry more passengers than any previous commercial airplane. The ceremony included early design insights and remarks from key Boeing executives, capturing the excitement surrounding this revolutionary aircraft.
Continue ReadingGuyana Nationalizes Broadcasting Service
The nationalization of the British Guiana Broadcasting Service in Guyana marked a significant shift in media control. This move was part of a broader strategy to assert local authority over key industries post-independence. With the government under the People’s Progressive Party, led by Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, the transition aimed to enhance national identity and control over information dissemination. The service was transitioned into what would become the National Communications Network, allowing for greater local ownership and input in broadcasting.
Continue ReadingSuppression of Student Demonstration in Mexico City
Gustavo Díaz Ordaz, the President of Mexico, ordered the military to suppress a peaceful demonstration by unarmed students in Mexico City. This drastic action occurred merely ten days before the opening of the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico. The students were protesting against government repression, military spending, and the lack of democratic freedoms. The violent crackdown left many injured and resulted in significant public outcry against the government. Events escalated rapidly as the military responded with force, highlighting the tension between the government and its citizens.
Continue ReadingPolice Suppression of Civil Rights March in Derry
A peaceful march organized by the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association in Derry faced violent suppression by police forces. The demonstration aimed to protest against discrimination faced by the Catholic nationalist community. The confrontation escalated, resulting in significant tensions between the marchers and law enforcement. Many civilians were injured as police utilized batons and other measures to disperse the crowd.
Continue ReadingFirst Successful Crewed Apollo Mission Launched
Apollo 7 was the inaugural crewed mission of the Apollo program, which aimed to land humans on the Moon. Launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, the spacecraft carried astronauts Walter M. Schirra Jr., Donn F. Eisele, and R. Walter Cunningham. The mission lasted 11 days, during which the crew tested the Lunar Module, Command Module systems, and conducted various experiments, demonstrating that humans could operate spacecraft in low Earth orbit. A key accomplishment was the successful live television broadcast, showcasing the mission to millions of viewers and increasing public interest in the Apollo program.
Continue ReadingEquatorial Guinea Gains Independence from Spain
Equatorial Guinea achieved independence from Spanish colonial rule, marking a significant step toward self-governance. The transition followed a lengthy process of political negotiations and was symbolized with a formal ceremony in the capital city, Malabo. The new nation was characterized by its rich natural resources, prompting hopes for economic development and national identity. The independence movement was largely fueled by the desire for autonomy and an end to colonial exploitation.
Continue ReadingFirst Live TV Broadcast from Orbit
American astronauts aboard Apollo 7 conducted the first live television broadcast from space, showcasing their mission to the world. The crew, including Commander Walter M. Schirra Jr., transmitted footage of their activities within the spacecraft, answering questions from viewers. This historic event marked a significant milestone in space exploration and communication, allowing people on Earth to witness life in space firsthand and generating excitement for future missions.
Continue ReadingMeckering Earthquake Strikes Western Australia
A powerful 6.5 magnitude earthquake shook the town of Meckering in Western Australia, registering a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX, categorized as 'Violent.' The quake resulted in significant property damage totaling approximately $2.2 million and caused injuries to 20 to 28 individuals. The earthquake was the first recorded seismic event to cause such destruction in the region, prompting discussions about geological safety and preparedness.
Continue Reading