Election nights can be full of surprises, turning the tide of history in unexpected ways. From the "Corrupt Bargain" of 1824 to the shocking 2016 presidential race, these moments have left lasting marks on American politics. What makes an election night upset so captivating? It's the blend of unforeseen outcomes, dramatic twists, and the sheer unpredictability of voter behavior. These events not only challenge political norms but also reshape the future. Dive into 15 of the most significant election night upsets, where underdogs triumphed, predictions failed, and history was rewritten. Each story offers a unique glimpse into the dynamic nature of democracy.
Key Takeaways:
- Election night upsets have shaped U.S. history, from the controversial 1824 "Corrupt Bargain" to Truman's surprising 1948 victory. These events show how unexpected outcomes can change the course of politics.
- Social unrest, polling errors, and third-party candidates have all played a role in historic election upsets, highlighting the unpredictable nature of American politics.
The "Corrupt Bargain" of 1824
Election night upsets have a way of rewriting history. One of the earliest and most controversial upsets happened in 1824.
- The 1824 Election: The "Corrupt Bargain"
Andrew Jackson won the popular vote by fewer than 39,000 ballots but didn't secure a majority of electoral votes. The House of Representatives chose John Quincy Adams over Jackson, thanks to Henry Clay's support. This decision was dubbed the "corrupt bargain."
The Disputed Tiebreaker of 1876
The 1876 election was a nail-biter that left the nation on edge. It was one of the most disputed elections in U.S. history.
- The 1876 Election: A Disputed Tiebreaker
Samuel Tilden won the popular vote by a quarter-million ballots and had 19 more electoral votes. However, disputes in four Southern states led to a 15-member commission awarding Rutherford Hayes the presidency by a single vote.
Truman's Unexpected Victory in 1948
Harry S. Truman's 1948 win is one of the most famous election upsets. Many thought he had no chance.
- The 1948 Election: Truman Defeats Dewey
Despite polls and newspapers predicting a Dewey victory, Truman's aggressive campaign style and ability to connect with voters led to his surprise win. Truman secured 303 electoral votes to Dewey's 189.
Nixon's 1968 Victory Amidst Chaos
The 1968 election was marked by social unrest and political upheaval, making Nixon's victory even more surprising.
- The 1968 Election: Nixon's Victory Amidst Chaos
Richard Nixon's focus on law and order resonated with many Americans. Despite a close race against Hubert Humphrey and George Wallace, Nixon's strategic campaign tactics led to his victory.
Truman's 1940 Senate Upset
Before becoming president, Truman had already pulled off a significant upset in the Senate.
- The 1940 Senate Election: Truman's Upset Victory
Running for re-election in Missouri, Truman faced doubts due to his ally's scandal. However, his war record and common-man background helped him secure an unexpected victory.
The Closest Election of 1960
The 1960 presidential election between Kennedy and Nixon was one of the closest in U.S. history.
- The 1960 Election: Kennedy vs. Nixon
John F. Kennedy won by a mere 112,827 votes in Illinois, securing the presidency. His youth and charm marked a significant shift in American politics.
Truman's Survival at the 1948 Democratic Convention
The 1948 Democratic National Convention was a pivotal moment for Truman's campaign.
- The 1948 Democratic Convention: Truman’s Survival
Despite a walkout by the Dixiecrats, Truman secured the nomination and delivered a powerful acceptance speech, energizing his base and contributing to his eventual victory.
Robert F. Kennedy’s Dramatic Entry in 1968
Robert F. Kennedy's entry into the 1968 Democratic primary added drama to an already chaotic election year.
- The 1968 Democratic Primary: Robert F. Kennedy’s Entry
Kennedy announced his candidacy just days after President Johnson decided not to seek re-election. His passionate speeches and connection with young voters had a significant impact before his assassination.
Truman’s Whistle-Stop Tour in 1948
Truman's unconventional campaign strategy in 1948 played a crucial role in his victory.
- The 1948 Campaign Trail: Truman’s Whistle-Stop Tour
Truman made over 200 campaign speeches across the country. His aggressive style and ability to connect with voters helped him gain momentum and secure his win.
Nixon’s Victory in the 1968 Republican Primary
Nixon's path to the presidency began with his victory in the Republican primary.
- The 1968 Republican Primary: Nixon’s Victory
Despite strong competition, Nixon emerged as the front-runner. His focus on law and order resonated with many Americans, leading to his nomination and eventual victory.
Misjudging Truman in the 1948 Election Polls
Polling errors in the 1948 election contributed to the surprise of Truman's victory.
- The 1948 Election Polls: Misjudging Truman
Many polls predicted a Dewey victory. The Gallup poll had Dewey leading by 4 percentage points in October, but Truman's campaign style led to his surprise win.
Third-Party Candidates in the 1968 Election
The 1968 election saw significant support for third-party candidates, adding to the unpredictability.
- The 1968 Election: Third-Party Candidates
George Wallace, running on the American Independent Party ticket, won four Southern states and secured 13.5% of the popular vote. His strong stance on states’ rights appealed to many white Southern voters.
The Contentious 2016 Election
The 2016 presidential election between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump was one of the most contentious in recent history.
- The 2016 Election: Clinton vs. Trump
Despite leading in the polls, Clinton lost to Trump. Factors like FBI Director James Comey’s intervention, Russia and WikiLeaks’ influence, and her failure to campaign effectively in Wisconsin contributed to her loss.
Truman’s Campaign Message in 1948
Truman's campaign message in 1948 focused on the "do-nothing" Congress, resonating with voters.
- The 1948 Election: Truman’s Campaign Message
Truman emphasized his war record and common-man background. His powerful acceptance speech at the Democratic convention declared, "Senator Barkley and I will win this election and make the Republicans like it – don’t you forget it."
Social Unrest and Voter Disillusionment in 1968
The 1968 election was marked by significant social unrest and voter disillusionment.
- The 1968 Election: Social Unrest and Voter Disillusionment
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 failed to address deep-seated racial inequality. The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. further exacerbated social tensions, contributing to the chaotic nature of the election.
The Unpredictability of Election Night
Election night upsets show just how unpredictable politics can be. From the "Corrupt Bargain" of 1824 to the shocking 2016 Trump victory, these moments have shaped American history. Each upset, whether it was Truman's unexpected win in 1948 or Nixon's strategic triumph in 1968, highlights the importance of campaign strategies, voter sentiment, and unforeseen events. These surprises remind us that no election is a sure thing. Polls can be wrong, and underdogs can rise to the occasion. Understanding these historic upsets gives us a better grasp of the dynamic nature of American politics. They also underscore the importance of every vote and the impact of each election. So, next time you think an election is a done deal, remember these historic upsets and think again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.