1968: A Brief Guide to Events

January

1: Pope Paul VI declares a “Day of peace”.  Italy.

3: Alexander Dubček becomes the leader of the Czechoslovak Communist Party.

31: “Tet Offensive”, Vietnam.

February

17–18: International Congress on Vietnam in West Berlin, West Germany.

29: Occupation of the university, Rome, Italy.

March

5: End of Censorship Czechoslovakia

8: March in Warsaw, Poland.

16: My Lai massacre, Vietnam.

April

4: Murder of Martin Luther King, Memphis, USA.

11: Rudi Dutscke shot: this provokes riots all over West Germany.

21: Melina Mercouri’s speech in Trafalgar Square for freedom in Greece.

May

6: University in Nanterre closes: students called before disciplinary committee. France.

10: “Barricades’ Night” in Paris, France.

28: De Gaulle dissolves the French Parliament.

June

24: State of emergency declared in West Germany.

27: “Two thousands Words” Manifesto published in Czechoslovakia.

August

13: Panagoulis tries to kill Papadopoulos, leader of “the régime of the colonels”. Greece

20-21: Invasion of Czechoslovakia by Warsaw Pact Forces: end of “Prague’s Spring”

October

2: Noche Triste: massacre in Tlateloclo, Mexico

5: First March for civil rights in Derry, Northern Ireland

November

3: Funeral of Papandreou: huge demonstration in Athens, Greece

7: Murder of a young demonstrator: start of riots in Pakistan

December

31: An Italian student is shot.