The Era of Violence: Assasinations during the 60's

The 1960s was a decade of change for America. Under the leadership of John F. Kennedy, one of the most important issues of the time was civil rights. Although being an advocate of equality made him more popular as a leader, this also created many enemies for Kennedy. Ultimately, it would be one of the reasons leading to his death.

On November 22, 1963, Kennedy and his wife had come to Dallas, Texas to meet with members of Texas's Democratic Party. They were sitting in the back seat of an open limousine with Governor John Connally and his wife, waving to fans along the streets. Mrs. Connally turned to Kennedy and said, "You can't say Dallas isn't friendly to you today." (p. 682 of textbook) Before he could answer, he was shot in the head by a rifle, and before the ambulance could arrive he was dead. Police found the killer quickly: Lee Harvey Oswald, a 24-year old Marine who was a supporter of Fidel Castro and was also against the Civil Rights movement.

In 1965, another important figure was assassinated. Malcom X, a radical believer in the Nation of Islam, initially believed that African-Americans were the superior race. His movement of racial pride was both appealing and controversial. However, he broke with the Nation of Islam and formed his own organization. This change of view upset many Black Muslims. On February 21, 1965, he was shot while giving a speech in Harlem.

April 4th, 1968 tragedy struck America once again when the leader of the Civil Rights Movement was shot down on his hotel balcony. Martin Luther King Jr., an inspiration for millions, preached nonviolent methods of gaining civil rights. He fought hard to gather people to strike and voice their opinions without hurting others. James Earl Ray who was found guilty of assasinating King, caused the largest urban riots in United States history. He did not believe in what King fought for and therefore chose to end his life and take down a man who will be forever remembered for his vital leadership throughout the Civil Rights Movement. He taught that violence was not and will never be the answer and with his death did not come defeat. The movement continued and more civil rights would be won in the near future.

King's assasination however, was not the end to the era of violence. The same year Robert Kennedy was giving a victory speech after winning the California primary elections. On his way out of the hotel in Los Angles he was shot by a young Palestinian immigrant, Sirhan Sirhan. In later questioning they found his motive to be Kennedy's support of Israel. Bobby Kennedy's death was another wrenching tragedy for many Americans.

Thousands mourned the deaths of these important leaders and vowed to keep them in their memories. Without their help we would not be where we are today. And let us today vow not to let another era of violence strike the nation.

-Hannah and Mingming