What Happened This Year 1968

People Who Died in 1968

Yuri Gagarin

Russian cosmonaut and space pioneer
Born
March 9th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
March 27th, 1968 56 years ago — 34 years old

A Soviet pilot and cosmonaut, became the first human to travel into space on April 12, 1961, aboard the Vostok 1 spacecraft. The mission lasted 108 minutes, orbiting the Earth once. This historic flight marked a significant achievement in the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union. After the space flight, served as a deputy training director for future cosmonauts and participated in various public engagements promoting space exploration. Received numerous awards and decorations for contributions to space science and aeronautics until untimely death in a plane crash in 1968.

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Grover Lowdermilk

American baseball player
Born
January 15th, 1885 140 years ago
Died
March 31st, 1968 56 years ago — 83 years old

Played as a professional baseball player primarily in the outfield during the 1910s. Competed in Major League Baseball for teams including the Chicago White Sox and the Philadelphia Athletics. His career spanned several seasons, contributing to the teams with notable performances. After retiring from professional play, engagement in minor league baseball and coaching followed.

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Lev Landau

Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
January 22nd, 1908 117 years ago
Died
April 1st, 1968 56 years ago — 60 years old

Born in Baku, a significant figure in theoretical physics emerged, contributing extensively to the fields of condensed matter physics and quantum mechanics. Developed the theoretical basis for superfluidity, which earned recognition within the scientific community. Created the Landau-Lifshitz series, a comprehensive set of textbooks that are foundational in physics education. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1962 for work on the theory of superfluidity. Held positions at the L.D. Landau Institute for Theoretical Physics, influencing many students and researchers in the field.

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Martin Luther King Jr.

Civil Rights Leader and Nobel Laureate
Born
January 15th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
April 4th, 1968 56 years ago — 39 years old

A prominent minister and civil rights activist played a central role in the American civil rights movement from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. Advocated for nonviolent protest against racial segregation and discrimination. Delivered the iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. His leadership was instrumental in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for efforts to combat racial inequality through nonviolent resistance.

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Jim Clark

Formula One racing driver, 1963 Champion
Born
March 4th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
April 7th, 1968 56 years ago — 32 years old

A Scottish racing driver competed in Formula One during the 1960s. Achieved significant success driving for Team Lotus, racing to prominence with exceptional skills and speed. Won the Formula One World Championship in 1963 and 1965. Earned a reputation for a smooth driving style and tactical finesse on the track. His career was marked by numerous Grand Prix victories and pioneering the use of technology in racing vehicles. Tragically died in a crash during a race in 1968, leaving a lasting legacy in motorsport.

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Edwin Baker

Canadian soldier and educator
Born
January 9th, 1893 132 years ago
Died
April 7th, 1968 56 years ago — 75 years old

Served as a soldier during World War I and later became an educator. Co-founded the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, an organization focused on supporting individuals with visual impairments. Contributed to advancements in education and services for the blind throughout Canada, playing a pivotal role in improving quality of life for those facing challenges associated with vision loss.

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Heinrich Nordhoff

German engineer and Volkswagen CEO
Born
January 6th, 1899 126 years ago
Died
April 12th, 1968 56 years ago — 69 years old

Born in Germany in 1899, an engineer who significantly influenced the automotive industry. Played a crucial role in the post-World War II revival of Volkswagen, overseeing the production of the iconic Volkswagen Beetle. Implemented innovative manufacturing processes and established the company as a leader in the global automotive market. Served as the CEO from 1948 to 1968, during which time he expanded the model range and improved production efficiency, enabling Volkswagen to become one of the largest car manufacturers in the world.

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Fay Bainter

American actress with Academy Award
Born
December 7th, 1893 131 years ago
Died
April 16th, 1968 56 years ago — 74 years old

An accomplished actress in both film and theater. Bainter received critical acclaim for performances in the early 20th century. Won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for the film 'Joshue's Daughter' in 1939. Worked extensively in theater, becoming a prominent figure on Broadway. Appeared in 'The Children’s Hour' and was featured in several successful films throughout her career, garnering recognition for her versatile acting abilities.

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Edna Ferber

American novelist and playwright
Born
August 15th, 1885 139 years ago
Died
April 16th, 1968 56 years ago — 82 years old

Ferber was an American novelist, short story writer, and playwright. Her literary career began in the early 20th century, producing works that often depicted the American experience. Notable novels include 'So Big,' which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1925, and 'Show Boat,' which inspired a successful musical adaptation. Ferber's sharp observations and vivid characterizations captured the complexities of American life. She also wrote several successful Broadway plays, contributing significantly to American theater. Her works tackled themes of race, gender, and society, making her an important figure in American literature.

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