A car driven by Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts plunges from a bridge on Chappaquiddick Island at Martha’s Vineyard. His passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne, drowns. Kennedy survives but his political future is marred. Also that year:

_ Mario Puzo, novelist, publishes The Godfather about the rise of a New York underworld chieftain.

_ Warren Earl Burger becomes Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, succeeding Earl Warren, who retires.