1948 Election Flashcards
Who was the Republican presidential candidate in the 1948 election?
Thomas Dewey
Dewey was expected to win the election.
What was a notable aspect of Truman’s campaign?
A 33-day, 30,000-mile tour
This tour was intended to connect with voters.
What was a key criticism of the Republican Congress during the 1948 election?
Attached to a do-nothing Congress
This was a point of contention in Truman’s campaign.
What economic factor contributed to Truman’s victory?
Booming economy
Economic conditions influenced voter sentiment.
What background did Truman have that helped him understand farmers?
Former farm boy
His upbringing allowed him to connect with agricultural voters.
Which demographic group supported Truman due to his stance on civil rights?
African Americans
They approved of his position on civil rights.
What was one of Truman’s positions that appealed to voters?
Resistance to communism
This stance resonated with many Americans during the Cold War.
What was a significant mistake made by Dewey during his campaign?
Ran overconfident and inept
His assumption of victory led to a lack of preparation.
By how many votes did Truman defeat Dewey?
2 million votes
This was a surprising margin given the expectations.
What was the outcome for the Democrats in Congress following the 1948 election?
Took control of Congress
This marked a shift in political power.
How much did the previous Republican Congress spend on Inauguration Day?
$800,000
This expenditure was criticized, especially after Truman’s victory.
