Here is a look at the world in 1968:

The Big Headlines1968 was a year of intense political and social change.

The Civil Rights Movement: The world mourned the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in April. This spurred the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act) just days later.

Political Tragedy: Senator Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated in June after winning the California presidential primary.

The Vietnam War: The conflict escalated significantly with the Tet Offensive in January, shifting public opinion on the war.

The Space Race: The year ended on a high note with Apollo 8. On Christmas Eve, Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and William Anders became the first humans to orbit the Moon and capture the famous “Earthrise” photo.

Pop Culture & Technology Music: The Beatles released the “White Album” and “Hey Jude” was the top song of the year. Other hits included “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye.

Movies: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Planet of the Apes, and Night of the Living Dead premiered.

Technology: Intel was founded, and the Boeing 747 was rolled out for the first time.

Television: 60 Minutes and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood both debuted on TV.

Cost of Living (US Averages)New House: ~$26,600

Average Income: ~$7,800 per year

Gas: $0.34 per gallon

Movie Ticket: $1.50

Postage Stamp: $0.06

Other Notable FirstsThe 9-1-1 emergency telephone system was debuted in the United States.

The Special Olympics were founded.

McDonald’s introduced the Big Mac nationwide (it cost about 49 cents).