Key Takeaways

• The 1968 United States Presidential Election was a significant event in American history.
• Richard Nixon, the Republican candidate, won the presidency in a closely contested race.
• The election revealed deep divisions across the country, with stark geographical differences in voting patterns.
• The map by county provides a visual representation of the election results and highlights the regional disparities.
• Understanding historical electoral maps helps us analyze the dynamics of past elections and their impact on society.

History

The 1968 United States Presidential Election took place against a backdrop of social and political unrest. The
country was deeply divided over issues like the Vietnam War and civil rights. The Republican Party nominated
Richard Nixon, who had previously served as Vice President under Dwight D. Eisenhower. The Democratic Party
nominated Hubert H. Humphrey, who was Vice President under Lyndon B. Johnson.

Nixon campaigned on a platform promising law and order and appealed to voters who were disillusioned with the
ongoing social unrest. Humphrey, on the other hand, faced challenges due to the divisions within his own party
over the Vietnam War.

The election results were closely contested, with Nixon eventually securing the presidency. However, the
divisions within the country were evident in the electoral map, which showed stark differences in voting patterns
by county.

Unique Insights

• The 1968 presidential election marked a significant shift in voting patterns compared to previous elections.
  The Southern states, traditionally Democratic strongholds, saw a shift towards the Republican candidate, Richard
  Nixon. This shift can be attributed to Nixon’s appeal to law and order, as well as the perception that the
  Democratic Party was not adequately addressing the concerns of conservative voters.
• The election results also highlighted racial divisions across the country. African-American voters largely
  supported the Democratic candidate, while white voters were more evenly split between Nixon and Humphrey.
  Racial tensions and the civil rights movement played a significant role in shaping voting patterns during this
  election.
• The map by county allows us to see the rural-urban divide in voting. Urban areas, particularly those with a
  higher percentage of minority populations, tended to vote Democratic. In contrast, rural areas, which were
  predominantly white, leaned towards the Republican candidate.

Table of Relevant Facts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What was the significance of the 1968 United States Presidential Election?

The 1968 United States Presidential Election was significant due to the social and political climate in the
country. It revealed deep divisions and marked a shift in voting patterns.

2. Who won the election?

Richard Nixon, the Republican candidate, won the presidency in the 1968 election.

3. What were the key issues during the election?

The key issues during the 1968 United States Presidential Election were the Vietnam War and civil rights.

4. Why did the Southern states shift towards the Republican candidate?

The Southern states shifted towards the Republican candidate, Richard Nixon, due to his appeal to law and order
and conservative values.

5. How did racial divisions influence the election results?

Racial divisions played a significant role in shaping the voting patterns of the 1968 United States Presidential
Election. African-American voters largely supported the Democratic candidate.

6. What was the rural-urban divide in voting?

The rural-urban divide in voting was evident in the election results. Urban areas leaned towards the Democratic
candidate, while rural areas leaned towards the Republican candidate.

7. How does analyzing historical election maps help us understand past elections?

Analyzing historical election maps provides valuable insights into voting patterns and the factors that
influenced election outcomes. It helps us understand the dynamics of elections and their impact on society.

External Links

• Wikipedia: 1968 United
  States presidential election
• National Archives: 1968 Electoral College
  Results

LSI Keywords

• 1968 United States Presidential Election
• Richard Nixon
• Hubert H. Humphrey
• Vietnam War
• Civil Rights
• Voting Patterns
• Racial Divisions
• Rural-Urban Divide
• Law and Order
• Social Unrest