Discussion Questions: 1. What was the political and social atmosphere like in 1968? 2. Why do you think Robert Kennedy was shot? 3. Do you think these anti-war protests are starting to lose some of their power? Are they helpful? ESSAY: Given what we learned about Robert Kennedy and his campaign ,do you think he would have won the nomination in 1968? Why or why not.

Question

Discussion Questions: 1. What was the political and social atmosphere like in 1968? 2. Why do you think Robert Kennedy was shot? 3. Do you think these anti-war protests are starting to lose some of their power? Are they helpful? ESSAY: Given what we learned about Robert Kennedy and his campaign ,do you think he would have won the nomination in 1968? Why or why not.

Answer 1

## Brief Explanations1. The political and social atmosphere in 1968 was turbulent, marked by significant events like the Vietnam War, civil rights movements, and assassinations of prominent figures.2. Robert Kennedy was shot due to political motivations, specifically his stance on certain issues that were controversial at the time.3. The effectiveness of anti-war protests is subjective and can be influenced by various factors such as public sentiment, government response, and media coverage.4. The essay question requires an analysis of Robert Kennedy's campaign and a reasoned argument on whether he could have won the nomination in 1968.# Answer1. The political and social atmosphere in 1968 was characterized by civil unrest, protests against the Vietnam War, and significant movements for civil rights and women's rights. The assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy also added to the turmoil.2. Robert Kennedy was shot by Sirhan Sirhan, a Palestinian, who was reportedly upset with Kennedy's pro-Israel stance. However, motivations behind such actions often involve complex personal and political factors.3. The power and effectiveness of anti-war protests can vary based on numerous factors. They can be helpful in bringing attention to the issue and rallying public support, but their impact on policy changes can be limited.4. Essay: Robert Kennedy was a strong candidate with a progressive platform that resonated with many Americans. His stance on civil rights, poverty, and opposition to the Vietnam War made him popular among various demographics. However, the political climate of 1968 was highly volatile, and there were other strong contenders for the nomination. Therefore, while Kennedy had a good chance, it is not certain that he would have won the nomination.