The 1968 US Presidential Election: A Tumultuous Time

The 1968 US Presidential Election: A Tumultuous Time

The 1968 US Presidential Election was a pivotal moment in American history, marked by social unrest, political upheaval, and the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. The election saw a three-way race between Republican nominee Richard Nixon, Democratic nominee Hubert Humphrey, and independent candidate George Wallace. The election was also a reflection of the deep divisions in American society at the time, as the country grappled with the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the rise of the counterculture.

The Candidates and Their Platforms

Richard Nixon, a former vice president under Dwight Eisenhower, ran on a platform of law and order, promising to restore stability to a nation plagued by violence and unrest. He appealed to voters who were disillusioned with the Democratic Party’s handling of the Vietnam War and the social upheaval of the 1960s.

Hubert Humphrey, the incumbent vice president under Lyndon B. Johnson, ran on a platform of continuing the social programs and civil rights legislation that had been passed during Johnson’s presidency. He also promised to end the Vietnam War, but his close ties to Johnson made him unpopular with many voters who were opposed to the war.

George Wallace, the governor of Alabama, ran on a platform of segregation and states’ rights. He appealed to white voters who were resentful of the progress made by the Civil Rights Movement. Wallace’s campaign was marked by racist rhetoric and appeals to white fear, and he won several states in the South.

Key Events That Shaped the Election

The 1968 election was shaped by a number of key events, including:

• The Vietnam War: The war was deeply unpopular with many Americans, and it was a major issue in the election. Nixon promised to end the war, while Humphrey supported Johnson’s policies.
• The Civil Rights Movement: The movement had made significant progress in the 1960s, but it was still facing resistance from some white Americans. Wallace’s campaign appealed to these voters, who were concerned about the changes in American society.
• The assassination of Robert F. Kennedy: Kennedy, a popular Democratic senator from New York, was assassinated in June 1968. His death shocked the nation and had a significant impact on the election. Many voters who had supported Kennedy turned to Humphrey, while others were disillusioned with the Democratic Party.
• The rise of the counterculture: The counterculture movement of the 1960s challenged traditional American values and institutions. This movement was a major force in the election, as it helped to shape the political landscape and influence the views of many voters.

The Results of the Election

Nixon won the election, receiving 301 electoral votes to Humphrey’s 191 and Wallace’s 46. Nixon’s victory was due in part to his successful campaign strategy, which focused on law and order and appealed to voters who were tired of the turmoil of the 1960s. However, Nixon’s victory was also a sign of the deep divisions in American society, as he won the election with only 43.4% of the popular vote.

The 1968 US Presidential Election was a pivotal moment in American history. It was a time of great social and political change, and it reflected the deep divisions in American society. The election also marked the beginning of a new era in American politics, as Nixon’s victory ushered in a period of Republican dominance that would last for much of the 1970s.

Conclusion

The 1968 US Presidential Election was a complex and tumultuous event that had a profound impact on American history. By understanding the key candidates, their platforms, and the events that shaped the election, we can gain a better understanding of this pivotal moment in American history.