#OTD20 logo with calendar icon and the words "On This Day: 20th Century"

#OTD20 | November 2, 1948

Harry Truman’s Astonishing Re-Election Victory

November 2, 1948: Against overwhelming odds and widespread skepticism, President Harry Truman pulls off an amazing political upset.

Against the backdrop of a tumultuous first term marked by the end of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War, Truman's chances for re-election seemed slim to most political pundits.

Despite numerous challenges and a popular rival in Thomas Dewey, Truman's relentless campaigning and ability to connect with the common man make all the difference on Election Day.

Truman's unexpected victory underscores the unpredictability of American politics. The triumph remains an iconic example of resilience, determination, and the sheer unpredictability of election outcomes.

Viewing Options

The 1948 election is chronicled in the Media Rich Learning program, "Post-War Years," from the series AMERICA IN THE 20TH CENTURY.

Preview

Preview short excerpts from "Post-War Years."

Preview Now

Stream

View "Post-War Years" in our members-only Streaming Room™.

Stream Now

Subscribe

Explore subscription plans for our premium content portal, the Streaming Room™.

Subscribe Now

Additional Resources

Access more information from Media Rich Learning and curated off-site sources.

National Constitution Center

Read "Looking Back at the Truman Beats Dewey Upset" at the website of the National Constitution Center.

Fortune

Read "The parallels between 1948’s ‘Dewey defeats Truman’ election and today" at the website of Fortune.

Harry S. Truman Library and Museum

Access documents related to the 1948 election at the website of the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum.

#OTD20

Step back in time to experience the significant events that happened on this day in the 20th century.

President Harry Truman smiling and holding up the Chicago Daily Tribune newspaper with the incorrect headline "DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN.

November 2, 1948: Truman Defeats Dewey

#OTD20 — November 2, 1948: President Harry Truman defeats Thomas Dewey of New York in one of history’s most shocking political upsets.

Read More
A flak-damaged Sea Venom aircraft with campaign markings on the deck of HMS Eagle, with crew members nearby, following a sortie over Egypt in November 1956.

October 31, 1956: Suez Crisis Escalates as UK and France Launch Operation Musketeer

#OTD20 — October 31, 1956: The Suez Crisis escalates as the UK and France launch Operation Musketeer to recapture control of the Suez Canal.

Read More
Vintage poster illustrating the Lend-Lease Act, featuring the flags of the U.S., the U.K., the Soviet Union, and China, along with an image of a military tank.

October 30, 1941: Roosevelt Approves $1 Billion Lend-Lease Aid to Britain

#OTD20 — October 30, 1941: President Roosevelt makes approves $1 billion in Lend-Lease aid to Britain, demonstrating U.S. support for the Allies during WWII.

Read More
Colorized photo of Dr. Henry Kissinger and Le Duc Tho walking side by side, with Tho waving to onlookers.

October 26, 1955: Ngo Dinh Diem Proclaims Republic of Vietnam

#OTD20 — October 26, 1955: Ngo Dinh Diem proclaims the establishment of the Republic of Vietnam, appointing himself as its inaugural president.

Read More
Vladimir Lenin, with his hat in hand, addressing a large crowd in Petrograd.

Bolshevik Revolution — October 25, 1917 (O.S.)

#OTD20 — October 25, 1917: Explore the 1917 October Bolshevik Revolution in Russia that ushered in Soviet rule and laid the groundwork for the Cold War.

Read More
Hungarian revolutionaries standing atop a tank, waving their flag in a crowded square with a historic building in the backdrop.

1956 Hungarian Uprising: The Battle for Freedom October 23 | #OTD20

#OTD20 — October 23, 1956: The Hungarian Uprising begins when mass demonstrations escalate to open revolt and Soviet occupation.

Read More
Customers and staff in a 1960s electronics store stop to watch President John F. Kennedy on television as he addresses the nation about the Cuban Missile Crisis.

October 22, 1962: JFK Address Nation on Missiles in Cuba

#OTD20 — October 22, 1962: JFK addresses the nation on the Soviet missile buildup in Cuba, leading to the gravest moment in the Cold War.

Read More
Group of 1940s Hollywood celebrities and film industry professionals gathered in front of the U.S. Capitol building.

The HUAC Hearings: The Red Scare Comes to Hollywood | #OTD20

#OTD20 — October 20, 1947: The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) begins its controversial hearings into alleged Communist infiltration of Hollywood.

Read More
Gas station with closed pumps and a sign reading 'PUMPS CLOSED' during the 1973 OPEC oil embargo.

October 17, 1973: OPEC Oil Embargo – America’s Energy Wake-Up Call

The 1973 OPEC Oil Embargo triggers gasoline shortages and rationing in the U.S., prompting a reevaluation of the nation’s energy policies.

Read More
Colorized photo of Dr. Henry Kissinger and Le Duc Tho walking side by side, with Tho waving to onlookers.

October 16, 1973: Kissinger and Tho Awarded Nobel Peace Prize

#OTD20 — October 14, 1946: Henry Kissinger and Le Duc Tho receive the Nobel Peace Prize for their diplomatic efforts in the Paris peace accord.

Read More
Protesters marching with a large sign that reads: 'end the war now. send the troops home' during the Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam.

October 15, 1945: The Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam – A Day of Nationwide Protests

#OTD20 — October 15, 1969: Hundreds of thousands across the U.S. unite in a massive protest against the Vietnam War.

Read More
Young lady smiling at a sign in a storefront window that reads 'United States Controlled Prices... This store is enlisted'.

October 14, 1946: Truman Lifts Price Controls on Meat

#OTD20 — October 10, 1986: President Reagan and Soviet leader Gorbachev meet in Reykjavik to discuss arms control. Despite high hopes, they leave without no major agreements.

Read More

Remarkably social