How did the tragic events of 1968 affect the story of our nation?

1968 was an especially tumultuous year, and many
historians would say it was a turning point in our country's history.  Unfortunately, it
was a year full of tragedies and disappointments.  Consider the following events and the
impact they had on us:

The Tet Offensive -
This all out attack by the Vietcong and North Vietnamese in the Vietnam
War severely strained Americans' belief that the fight should continue.  Over 3900
Americans would die in the offensive.  1968 was the bloodiest year of the war for the
United States, with over 11,000 killed and 45,000
wounded.

Assassination of Rev. Martin Luther
King Jr. - The revered, non-violent civil rights leader was gunned down
in Memphis, Tennessee in April of 1968. Besides ending
most of the progress of the Civil Rights Movement, it also led to widespread riots and
bloodshed in major American cities across the country, a tragic contrast to the
teachings of Dr. King.

Assassination of
Robert Kennedy - Considered the favorite for election as President, many
Americans hoped RFK's candidacy might signal the start of a better future for the
country.  His life was taken in June of 1968 by Sirhan Sirhan in a hotel ballroom after
a campaign speech and another of America's best and brightest was snuffed
out.