The year 1968 was a tumultuous time in American history marked by the Vietnam War, anti-war protests, racial strife, and political assassinations. President Lyndon Johnson’s announcement that he would not seek re-election sent shockwaves through the nation, leading to a shift in the political landscape. Democratic Senator Eugene McCarthy challenged Johnson in the primary, gathering support from young people disillusioned with the war. The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy further inflamed tensions.
The Democratic Convention in Chicago was chaotic and violent, with police brutality and riots dominating the headlines. Mayor Richard J. Daley was criticized for his heavy-handed tactics to control the situation. Vice President Hubert Humphrey became the establishment candidate, ultimately losing to Republican Richard Nixon in the general election. Alabama Governor George Wallace ran as a third-party candidate, garnering support with his segregationist views.
Nixon narrowly won the election, with Wallace receiving significant anti-establishment votes. In Tennessee, Nixon won with 47.6%, followed by Wallace at 34%, and Humphrey at 28.1%. The election also had implications at the state level, as Tennessee’s predominantly Democratic legislature saw a shift with the Republicans gaining more seats.
The events of 1968 left a lasting impact on American politics and society, shaping the way future generations would view and engage with the political process. The year was a turning point in history, characterized by turmoil, tragedy, and a sense of unease that still resonates today.
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