Why was 1968 a political turning point in american history? check all the boxes that apply. 1. race riots brought an end to the civil rights movement. 2. nixon’s election marked a turn away from liberal reform. 3. people lost faith in the government after the assassinations and riots. 5. the 1968 election marked the first time a third-party candidate ran for office. 6. the assassinations of king and kennedy meant the country lost two liberal leaders.