`Author:` MARK KURLANSKY `Availability:` > [!info] > ![[IMG_1968.jpeg]] ## Summary A global history of the protests and uprisings of 1968, covering events from the U.S. to France, Czechoslovakia, and Mexico. It looks at how these movements were ultimately contained or repressed. ## Key Takeaways Mark Kurlansky's *1968: The Year That Rocked the World* (2004) is a comprehensive and engaging exploration of one of the most tumultuous and transformative years in modern history. The book delves into the global wave of protests, uprisings, and social movements that defined 1968, a year marked by widespread unrest and a collective challenge to established authority across the world. ### Key Themes and Content: 1. **Global Perspective**: Kurlansky takes a broad, international approach, examining events in the United States, France, Czechoslovakia, Mexico, and beyond. He highlights how these movements, though occurring in different contexts, were interconnected by shared ideals of [[Freedom]], equality, and anti-authoritarianism. 2. **Major Events Covered**: - **United States**: The civil rights movement, anti-Vietnam War protests, and the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy. - **France**: The May 1968 student protests and general strike, which nearly brought down the French government. - **Czechoslovakia**: The Prague Spring, a period of political liberalization, and its suppression by Soviet-led forces. - **Mexico**: The Tlatelolco massacre, where government forces killed hundreds of student protesters ahead of the Mexico City Olympics. 3. **Cultural and Social Shifts**: Kurlansky also explores the cultural revolutions of 1968, including the rise of counterculture, feminism, and environmentalism. He examines how music, art, and literature reflected and influenced the era's radical spirit. 4. **Repression and Containment**: A central theme of the book is how governments and institutions responded to these movements. Kurlansky argues that while 1968 was a year of extraordinary upheaval, many of these movements were ultimately contained or repressed through force, co-optation, or institutional resistance. 5. **Legacy of 1968**: The book reflects on the long-term impact of 1968, suggesting that while the immediate goals of many movements were not fully realized, the year left an indelible mark on politics, culture, and society. It set the stage for future struggles and reshaped the way people think about power, protest, and change. ### Writing Style and Approach: Kurlansky is known for his accessible and narrative-driven style, and *1968* is no exception. He combines historical analysis with vivid storytelling, drawing on firsthand accounts, speeches, and media from the time. This approach makes the book both informative and engaging, appealing to both general readers and those with a deeper interest in history. ### Critical Reception: The book was widely praised for its ambitious scope and compelling narrative. Critics appreciated Kurlansky's ability to weave together disparate events into a cohesive global story. However, some noted that the book's broad focus occasionally led to a lack of depth in certain areas. Overall, *1968: The Year That Rocked the World* is a thought-provoking and richly detailed account of a pivotal year, offering insights into the power of collective action and the complexities of social change. It remains a valuable resource for understanding the legacy of 1968 and its relevance to contemporary struggles for justice and equality. ## Quotes - ## Notes Mark Kurlansky - 1968: The Year That Rocked the World (2004) `Concepts:` `Knowledge Base:`