The 1948 US Presidential Election: A Split Party and an Unexpected Winner

The 1948 US Presidential Election was a pivotal moment in American history. President Harry Truman, facing low approval ratings and a divided Democratic Party, defied expectations and won against Republican nominee Thomas Dewey. The election was marked by the emergence of third parties, including the States' Rights Democratic Party (Dixiecrats) and the Progressive Party, highlighting the deep divisions within the country on issues like civil rights and foreign policy.

The Political Landscape

The 1948 election was held against the backdrop of a nation recovering from World War II. President Truman, who had taken over after Franklin D. Roosevelt's death in 1945, faced a number of challenges, including a struggling economy and rising tensions with the Soviet Union. Within his own party, there were deep divisions over issues like civil rights and the role of the government in the economy. Many Southern Democrats opposed Truman's support for civil rights, leading to the formation of the States' Rights Democratic Party (Dixiecrats) which nominated Strom Thurmond for president. Meanwhile, the Progressive Party, led by former Vice President Henry Wallace, challenged Truman from the left, advocating for a more socialist approach to economic policy.

The Candidates

The major candidates in the 1948 election were:

• Harry S. Truman (Democrat): Incumbent President, Truman campaigned on a platform of continuing the New Deal programs and promoting international cooperation.
• Thomas E. Dewey (Republican): Governor of New York, Dewey was seen as a more moderate Republican who promised to bring stability and efficiency to the government.
• Strom Thurmond (States' Rights Democratic Party): A segregationist from South Carolina, Thurmond campaigned on a platform of opposition to civil rights and federal intervention in the South.
• Henry A. Wallace (Progressive Party): Former Vice President under Roosevelt, Wallace advocated for a more socialist approach to economic policy and opposed Truman's foreign policy.

The Campaign

The 1948 campaign was a highly contested one. Truman, facing a divided party and low approval ratings, was widely expected to lose. Dewey, the Republican nominee, was seen as the clear favorite. However, Truman mounted a vigorous campaign, traveling across the country and delivering passionate speeches about his vision for America. He attacked Dewey as a wealthy elitist who was out of touch with the needs of ordinary Americans. Truman also campaigned on his record, highlighting the achievements of the New Deal and the success of the Marshall Plan in rebuilding Europe.

The Results

Despite the odds, Truman won the election, defeating Dewey in a stunning upset. He won 303 electoral votes to Dewey's 189. Truman's victory was attributed to a number of factors, including his strong campaign, the divisions within the Republican Party, and the public's desire for change. The election also saw the rise of third parties, with Thurmond winning 39 electoral votes and Wallace receiving 0. The 1948 election was a testament to the unpredictability of American politics and the power of grassroots organizing. It also highlighted the deep divisions within the country on issues like civil rights and the role of the government.

Significance of the Election

The 1948 election had a profound impact on American politics and society. Truman's victory demonstrated the importance of grassroots organizing and the ability of a seemingly underdog candidate to win. The election also highlighted the growing importance of civil rights and the role of the government in addressing social and economic issues. The emergence of third parties, particularly the Dixiecrats, reflected the deep divisions within the country on issues like race and federal power. The 1948 election was a turning point in American history, marking the beginning of a new era of political and social change.

Further Reading

• The 1948 Presidential Election by David M. Kennedy
• The American Voter by Angus Campbell, Philip Converse, Warren Miller, and Donald Stokes
• Truman by David McCullough