Tag Archives: 1968

5 November 1968

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Richard Nixon is elected as 37th President of the United States.

Richard Nixon (1913-1994) was the 37th President of the United States, serving from 1969 to 1974. He was a prominent American politician who had a long and influential career in public service.

Early Life and Education: Richard Milhous Nixon was born on January 9, 1913, in Yorba Linda, California. He attended Whittier College and later Duke University School of Law, where he earned his law degree.

Military Service: During World War II, Nixon served in the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant commander. He worked on various logistical and administrative roles in the South Pacific.

Political Career: Nixon’s political career took off when he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1946. He served as a congressman for two terms before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 1950. In 1952, he became the vice-presidential running mate of Dwight D. Eisenhower, and they won the election.

Vice Presidency: Nixon served as Vice President from 1953 to 1961 under President Eisenhower. He gained national prominence and experience during this time, dealing with a range of domestic and international issues.

1960 Presidential Election: Nixon ran for President in the 1960 election against John F. Kennedy, but he narrowly lost the race in one of the closest and most famous presidential contests in American history.

Comeback and 1968 Election: After his defeat in 1960, Nixon temporarily withdrew from national politics but made a successful comeback. He secured the Republican nomination for the 1968 presidential election and went on to win the presidency, defeating Hubert H. Humphrey.

Presidency: Nixon’s presidency was marked by several significant events, including the Vietnam War, the moon landing, and domestic policy initiatives such as the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the implementation of affirmative action programs. He was also known for his approach to foreign policy, including the policy of détente with the Soviet Union and the historic visit to China in 1972.

Watergate Scandal: The most infamous and consequential aspect of Nixon’s presidency was the Watergate scandal. It involved a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate complex and subsequent attempts to cover up the involvement of high-ranking officials in the Nixon administration. The scandal led to a series of investigations and legal proceedings, ultimately resulting in Nixon’s resignation from the presidency on August 9, 1974.

Resignation and Pardon: Vice President Gerald Ford succeeded Nixon as President following his resignation. In a controversial move, President Ford granted Nixon a full pardon for any crimes he may have committed while in office.

Later Life: After leaving the presidency, Nixon wrote his memoirs and engaged in international diplomacy. He also continued to comment on American politics and foreign policy. Richard Nixon passed away on April 22, 1994, in New York City.

30 September 1968

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The Boeing 747 is rolled out and shown to the public for the first time.

The Boeing 747, often referred to as the “Jumbo Jet,” is a wide-body commercial airliner developed and manufactured by Boeing’s Commercial Airplane division. It is one of the most iconic and recognizable aircraft in aviation history. Here are some key facts and details about the Boeing 747:

Development and History:
The Boeing 747 was developed in the late 1960s and made its first flight on February 9, 1969.
It was the result of a request from Pan American World Airways (Pan Am) for a larger and more efficient aircraft to carry more passengers over long distances.

Design and Features:
The 747 is characterized by its distinctive humpbacked upper deck, which houses the cockpit and a portion of the passenger seating.
It was the first wide-body airliner, featuring a twin-aisle cabin design, which allowed for a greater number of passengers and larger cargo capacity.
The original 747, known as the 747-100, could carry up to around 400 passengers.

Variants:
Over the years, Boeing has developed several variants of the 747 to cater to different market needs, including the 747-200, 747-300, 747-400, and the latest model, the 747-8.
The 747-400, introduced in 1989, was one of the most successful variants and featured many improvements in terms of range, efficiency, and passenger comfort.

Role and Usage:
The Boeing 747 has been used primarily as a long-haul commercial airliner, serving routes that require the capacity to carry a large number of passengers over extended distances.
Some airlines have also converted older 747s into freighters for cargo transportation.

Cultural Impact:
The 747 has left an indelible mark on popular culture and is often associated with the golden age of air travel.
Its unique appearance and size have made it a symbol of aviation prowess and innovation.

Legacy:
While newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft have since taken over many of its routes, the Boeing 747 remains a beloved and respected aircraft.
It has also served as Air Force One, the official aircraft of the President of the United States.

Retirement:
As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, many airlines had retired their older 747s due to the high operating costs associated with the older models and the preference for more fuel-efficient aircraft.
Some airlines continued to operate the newer 747-8 models.

29 April 1968

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The controversial musical Hair, a product of the hippie counter-culture and sexual revolution of the 1960s, opens at the Biltmore Theatre on Broadway, with some of its songs becoming anthems of the anti-Vietnam War movement.