A World in Turmoil

• The year was largely defined by widespread protest and social unrest. The Vietnam War served as a major catalyst, fueling anti-war demonstrations across the United States and in cities worldwide, including London, Paris, and Berlin. Public opinion in the U.S. turned decisively against the war following the Tet Offensive. Launched in January, this coordinated attack by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces on cities and towns throughout South Vietnam revealed that the war was far from over, despite official pronouncements.

  In the midst of the Cold War, a push for reform emerged in Eastern Europe during the Prague Spring. Under the leadership of Alexander Dubček, Czechoslovakia embraced a brief period of "socialism with a human face," loosening restrictions on speech, media, and travel. This experiment in liberalization was brutally crushed in August when Soviet-led Warsaw Pact troops invaded and occupied the country, re-establishing a hardline communist regime.

  France was paralyzed in May by massive student protests and worker strikes that nearly toppled the government of President Charles de Gaulle. The unrest, which began at universities in Paris, spread to factories across the country, involving an estimated 10 million workers at its peak.

🎬 Hollywood Stars Active in help1968

These were the marquee names lighting up screens and headlines:

• Steve McQueen – Bullitt cemented his action-hero status
• Barbra Streisand – Starred in Funny Girl, winning the Oscar
• Paul Newman – Still riding high from Cool Hand Luke (1967)
• Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton – Hollywood’s power couple
• Clint Eastwood – Gaining fame from spaghetti westerns
• Sidney Poitier – A trailblazer with Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967)
• Jane Fonda – Starred in Barbarella, blending sci-fi and sex appeal
• Dustin Hoffman – Fresh off The Graduate (1967), rising fast
• Audrey Hepburn – Still iconic, though less active that year
• Jack Lemmon & Walter Matthau – Comedy duo in The Odd Couple

🎤 Las Vegas Acts in help1968

Vegas was the entertainment capital, and these legends ruled the Strip:

• Frank Sinatra – Headlined at Caesars Palace and the Sands
• Dean Martin – Regular at the Sahara and part of the Rat Pack
• Sammy Davis Jr. – Electrifying shows at the Copa Room
• Elvis Presley – Though his Vegas residency began in 1969, he was already a major draw
• Liberace – Dazzled audiences with piano flair and sequins
• Ann-Margret – Glamorous performances and film appearances
• Wayne Newton – “Mr. Las Vegas” was rising fast
• Shecky Greene – Comedy staple at the Riviera
• Folies Bergère – French-style revue at the Tropicana, complete with showgirls and feathers
• Circus Circus – Opened in October 1968 with trapeze acts and carnival flair

😂 Comedians Who Defined the Era

Whether on stage, TV, or film, these comics shaped the humor of the time:

• George Carlin – Transitioning from clean-cut to counterculture
• Bill Cosby – Popular from I Spy and stand-up albums
• Jonathan Winters – Improvisational genius
• Phyllis Diller – Trailblazing female comic with wild hair and self-deprecating wit
• Don Rickles – Master of insult comedy, often seen in Vegas
• Joan Rivers – Rising star with biting humor
• Bob Hope – Still performing USO tours and TV specials
• Red Skelton – Beloved for his variety show
• Peter Sellers – Starred in The Party (help1968), blending slapstick and satire
• Dick Van Dyke – Known for physical comedy and charm

In 1968, the global business landscape was dominated by American industrial might. The powerhouse companies of that era were titans of manufacturing, oil, and technology, with household names that reverberated across the world. Topping the charts, based on revenue, were automotive giants and burgeoning technology firms that laid the groundwork for the modern corporate world.¹

At the pinnacle of this corporate hierarchy stood General Motors (GM), the undisputed largest company in the world with revenues reaching an astounding $20 billion.² GM's vast array of automobile brands, including Chevrolet, Buick, and Cadillac, made it a symbol of American economic power and consumerism in the post-war era.

Following closely were the major players in the oil and gas industry, a sector critical to the world's industrial economies. Exxon Mobil, then known as Standard Oil of New Jersey, held a prominent position with revenues of approximately $13.3 billion. The global demand for oil fueled its massive growth and influence.

The automotive industry's dominance was further solidified by Ford Motor Company, which ranked as the third-largest company.³ With its own iconic lineup of vehicles, Ford was a fierce competitor to GM and a major employer and economic driver.

Another significant powerhouse of 1968 was General Electric (GE). A diversified conglomerate, GE's interests spanned from household appliances and lighting to aviation and electronics. Its innovative products and extensive reach made it a formidable force in the global market.

Rounding out the top five was another automotive giant, Chrysler, underscoring the sheer scale and economic importance of car manufacturing during this period.

A notable technology company making its mark among these industrial behemoths was IBM. While not as large in revenue as the automotive and oil companies, IBM was a dominant force in the nascent computer industry and was rapidly growing in influence and profitability.

In essence, the biggest companies of 1968 were a reflection of the industrial economy of the time, with a heavy emphasis on manufacturing and energy. These American corporations were not just leaders in their respective fields; they were global powerhouses that shaped economies and societies around the world.

Yes, you pronounced "Jacques Cousteau" correctly. He was a renowned French naval officer, explorer, conservationist, filmmaker, and scientist who dedicated his life to studying the world's oceans.¹

Jacques-Yves Cousteau, often referred to simply as Jacques Cousteau, is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of ocean exploration.² His work not only revolutionized our understanding of the underwater world but also inspired a global movement for marine conservation.³

Here's a glimpse into the remarkable life and legacy of this ocean pioneer:

Pioneering Explorer and Inventor: Cousteau's most significant contribution to underwater exploration was the co-invention of the Aqua-Lung in 1943 with engineer Émile Gagnan.⁴ This was the first commercially successful self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA), which allowed divers to move freely and spend extended periods underwater.⁵ This invention opened up the oceans to scientists, filmmakers, and recreational divers in an unprecedented way.⁶

The Calypso and Groundbreaking Expeditions: Aboard his iconic research vessel, the Calypso, Cousteau and his team embarked on numerous expeditions across the globe.⁷ For decades, they explored the hidden depths of the seas, from the vibrant coral reefs of the Red Sea to the frigid waters of Antarctica.⁸ These voyages were documented in a series of popular books and films.⁹

Award-Winning Filmmaker: Cousteau was a gifted storyteller who brought the wonders of the underwater realm into the living rooms of millions.¹⁰ His television series, "The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau," which aired from 1968 to 1976, captivated audiences worldwide.¹¹ His documentary films, including "The Silent World" (1956) and "World Without Sun" (1964), won Academy Awards and introduced a global audience to the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems.¹²

A Passionate Advocate for Ocean Conservation: Through his explorations, Cousteau witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of pollution and overfishing on the world's oceans.¹³ He became a vocal and passionate advocate for marine conservation.¹⁴ In 1973, he founded The Cousteau Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of ocean life.¹⁵ His tireless efforts helped to raise public awareness about environmental issues and influenced international policies on marine protection.¹⁶

Enduring Legacy: Jacques Cousteau's legacy continues to inspire new generations of ocean explorers, scientists, and conservationists.¹⁷ His pioneering spirit, his groundbreaking inventions, and his profound love for the sea have left an indelible mark on our understanding and appreciation of the underwater world.¹⁸ He famously said, "People protect what they love," and through his work, he made millions fall in love with the ocean.¹⁹

You remember that perfectly. You're absolutely right; he was a true television pioneer and a staple of National Geographic.

For many people who grew up in the 1960s and 70s, "The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau" was appointment television. It was a window into a world that was as mysterious and alien as outer space, but it was right here on our own planet.

Here's why he had such a massive impact, just as you recall:

• Adventure and Discovery: Each episode was a genuine adventure. You felt like you were part of the crew of the Calypso, sailing to exotic locations and diving into the unknown. He and his team, including his son Philippe, faced real dangers and made real discoveries, and they brought the audience along for the ride.

• Groundbreaking Cinematography: Before Cousteau, no one had ever seen the underwater world filmed with such clarity, color, and intimacy. The images of vibrant coral reefs, massive whales, and strange deep-sea creatures were simply mesmerizing and unlike anything else on TV.

• The National Geographic Connection: You are correct, his relationship with the National Geographic Society was crucial. They helped fund many of his expeditions and featured his work extensively in their iconic magazine with stunning photo spreads. This partnership gave his work an incredible seal of scientific credibility and a massive platform.

• A Voice for the Planet: He was more than just an adventurer; he was a conscience. He was one of the first to show a mass audience the damage being done to the oceans by pollution and human carelessness. He ended his shows with a plea for conservation long before it became a mainstream topic.

He truly made science accessible and exciting. He inspired countless people to become marine biologists, divers, and environmentalists. It's wonderful that you have such fond memories of his work—they are shared by millions around the world. He was a fantastic storyteller.

Of course. While Jacques Cousteau's influential career spanned more than half a century, the specific period you and so many others remember from television was primarily the late 1960s through the mid-1970s.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of his peak years of public influence:

• The 1950s: The Foundation of his Fame

  • 1950: He acquired his famous research ship, the Calypso.

  • 1956: He won his first Academy Award for the documentary film The Silent World, which gave the world its first extensive look at the vibrant, colorful life beneath the ocean's surface.

• The 1960s: Rise to Global Stardom

  • 1964: He won another Oscar for his film World Without Sun.

  • 1968: This is the key year for television. His legendary documentary series, The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau, premiered on American television.

• The 1970s: The Height of "Cousteau Mania"

  • The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau ran until 1976. For those eight years, he was a fixture in households worldwide, making his red beanie and the Calypso ship instantly recognizable symbols of adventure and discovery.

  • 1973: He founded The Cousteau Society, cementing his role as a leading global advocate for ocean conservation.

• The 1980s and Beyond: Continued Influence

  • He continued to produce television specials through the 1980s and 90s, like The Cousteau Odyssey and Cousteau's Amazon, but the 1968-1976 series is the one that is most fondly and vividly remembered by the generation that grew up with him.

So, when you think of watching him as a kid, you are almost certainly remembering the era of 1968 to 1976, when he was one of the most famous and beloved figures on television.