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1956-Elvis Presley's Dance Moves
Elvis Presley appears on Tv, captivating America with his energetic style. Young Forrest unknowingly helps teach Elvis Presley a dance move while staying at his house. This fits in the story by Elvis later using the move at his shows making Forrest an uncredited influence on rock 'n' roll. -
1963- President Kennedy is Assassinated
After meeting Forest and other football players, The president John F. Kennedy is killed while riding in a motorcade in Dallas. In the Movie Forrest casually mentions shaking Kennedy's hand. Showing how these huge moments are just small memories in his life. -
1963- University of Alabama is Desegregated
Governor George Wallace tries to stop Black students from enrolling at the University of Alabama. A major moment during the CIvil Rights Movement.
This fits in the Movie because Forrest was nearby when it happened, showing how he keeps ending up near big historical changes. -
Vietnam War Experience
The vietnam War becomes a major U.S. conflict. Forrest is drafted and sent overseas. Where he experiences combat and makes so long lasting friendships.
In the Movie Forrest saves several of his fellow soliders and earns the medal of Honor, but dosent see himself as a hero. -
First Men Walk on the Moon
Appolo 11 succuessfully lands on the moon, marking a huge accomplishment in American space exploration Also was a big statment for the U.S. in the cold war. -
Ping Pong in China
The U.S. send some ping ping players to China to help build a better relationship between the two countries during the Cold War. Forrest is chosen for a team and becomes part of this political moment. Even though he is not fully aware of his importance -
Watergate Hotel Break in
Forest calls hotel security after seeing flashlights in a nearby office. This leads to the discovery of the Watergate scandal. In the moview he unitentionally tips off authorities. Playing a small but important role during a major political crisis. -
Hurrican Carmen
Hurrican carmen destroys many shrimp boats. But Forrests boat survives. The storm clears out the competition helping forrest start a successful shrimp buisness just like he promised Bubba. -
Nixon Resigns
Faceing pressure from the Watergate scandal, President Richard Nixon becomes the first U.S. president to step down. In the movie forest learns of Nixons resignation. After unkowningly helping uncover the scandal, but he dosent make a big deal of it. -
Jenny dies
jenny dies from a myserty illness that reflects the rising AIDS crisis of the 1980s. In the Movie: Forrest takes care of their son and visits jenny's grave. Showing the emotional impact of her loss in his life.