The United States presidential election of 1968 was one of the most dramatic and pivotal contests in American history. Marked by civil unrest, political realignment, and the climax of the Vietnam War, it reshaped the trajectory of the nation and signaled a new era in American politics.
π₯ A Nation in Crisis: The Backdrop to 1968
The 1960s were already turbulent, but 1968 stood out for its sheer intensity. Amid the ongoing Vietnam War, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., and widespread protests, the nation seemed to be unraveling.
Key events that defined the year:
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The Tet Offensive in Vietnam shocked the American public.
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Dr. King's assassination ignited racial riots across over 100 cities.
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Robert F. Kennedy, a leading Democratic candidate, was also assassinated in June.
The national mood was one of disillusionment, making the 1968 election not just about policies but about the soul of America.
π️ The Candidates: Nixon, Humphrey, and Wallace
Richard Nixon (Republican) π¦
Having lost in 1960 and faded from public life, Richard Nixon made a stunning political comeback. He positioned himself as the law and order candidate, appealing to the “silent majority” who were discontent with the chaos of the decade.
Hubert Humphrey (Democrat) πΉ
Vice President under Lyndon B. Johnson, Hubert Humphrey faced the near-impossible task of uniting a fractured Democratic Party. Tied to Johnson’s unpopular Vietnam policies, he struggled to distance himself while still securing party loyalty.
George Wallace (American Independent) ⚔️
A former governor of Alabama, George Wallace ran on a segregationist, pro-states’ rights platform. His message found traction in the Deep South and among blue-collar workers disillusioned with both major parties.
π Democratic Division: The Chicago Convention Chaos
The 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago was marred by violent clashes between anti-war protesters and the police. Scenes of tear gas and baton-wielding officers were broadcast nationwide, symbolizing the party’s disarray and tarnishing its public image.
Humphrey secured the nomination, but the process alienated the party’s progressive base, many of whom turned to third-party candidates or stayed home.
✅ Nixon's Narrow Victory: Results & Impact
Richard Nixon won with 301 electoral votes, compared to 191 for Humphrey and 46 for Wallace. Though Nixon only secured 43.4% of the popular vote, the fractured opposition allowed him to triumph.
Long-Term Implications:
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Marked the beginning of the Republican "Southern Strategy", targeting disaffected white voters in the South.
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Accelerated the realignment of political ideologies, with the South trending Republican.
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Set the stage for conservative dominance in American politics through the 1980s.
π Conclusion: Why the 1968 Election Still Matters
The Election of 1968 was more than a contest between candidates — it was a referendum on the future direction of America. Issues like race relations, war, law and order, and political polarization dominated the discourse, many of which continue to echo today.