election of 1968

Tet Offensive

A major attack by North Vietnamese forces in 1968 that exposed the 'credibility gap' in the U.S. government.

Lyndon B. Johnson

U.S. President who declined reelection in March 1968.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Civil rights leader assassinated in April 1968, leading to urban riots and national instability.

Robert F. Kennedy

Politician assassinated in June 1968, contributing to the sense of national instability.

Democratic Convention (Chicago, 1968)

An event marked by violent clashes between protesters and police, damaging the Democratic Party's image.

Hubert Humphrey

Democratic candidate in the 1968 election, associated with the establishment and the Vietnam War.

Richard Nixon

Republican candidate in the 1968 election, known for his 'law and order' platform.

George Wallace

American Independent candidate in 1968, known for his pro-segregation stance and appeal in the Deep South.

Southern Strategy (Nixon)

A political strategy targeting white Southern voters in reaction to civil rights and social changes.

Vietnamization

Nixon's policy to transfer combat responsibilities to South Vietnamese forces while the U.S. provided support.

Kent State shootings (1970)

A tragic event where four students were killed during protests against the Vietnam War, leading to nationwide outrage.

Pentagon Papers (1971)

Documents that revealed government deception regarding the Vietnam War, increasing public distrust.

Christmas Bombing (1972)

A significant bombing campaign conducted by the U.S. in Vietnam before the Paris Peace Accords.

Nixon Doctrine

A policy that aimed to reduce direct U.S. military involvement while supporting allies.

Détente

A phase of relaxed tensions in the Cold War, highlighted by Nixon's engagement with the Soviet Union.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

An agency created in 1970 to oversee environmental regulation and protection.

Roe v. Wade

A landmark Supreme Court case that recognized women's constitutional right to abortion.

Watergate Scandal

A political scandal involving a break-in at the Democratic HQ and subsequent cover-up, leading to Nixon's resignation.

Imperial Presidency

A term referring to the expansion of presidential power, particularly seen during Nixon's administration.

War Powers Act (1973)

Legislation intended to limit the president's ability to engage U.S. forces without congressional approval.

Political Realignment (1968)

The shift in political power from the Democratic coalition to the Republican party, starting with Nixon.

Stagflation

An economic condition characterized by stagnant economic growth, high unemployment, and high inflation.

Law and Order

A campaign theme emphasizing response to civil unrest and protests, prominently used by Nixon.