George Wallace 1968 Reproduction Heavyweight T-Shirt

After serving as the Governor of Alabama and gaining national attention for his staunch segregationist stance, George Wallace stayed out of the 1964 presidential race. The political landscape was dominated by the aftermath of Kennedy's assassination and the sweeping support for LBJ. Wallace, along with many other Southern Democrats, believed that the real opportunity for a shake-up would come in the 1968 election.

By 1967, social turmoil and the mishandling of the Vietnam War were making a second full term for LBJ increasingly untenable for Democrats. The anti-war movement, coupled with radical elements of the New Left, was fracturing the Democratic Party. Violent protests erupted across the nation, turning many Americans against the chaos. The announcement of Robert Kennedy's candidacy deepened the division within the party, and LBJ chose not to seek re-election after a poor showing in the New Hampshire primary against Senator Eugene McCarthy.

The situation became even more volatile when Robert Kennedy was assassinated after winning the California primary. Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey became the Democratic nominee, but the party was deeply fractured. Wallace saw an opportunity to capitalize on the disarray and launched an independent campaign, running under the banner of the American Independent Party.

Wallace's campaign centered on a message of law and order, states' rights, and a strong stance against federal intervention in Southern affairs. His rhetoric resonated with many white, working-class voters, particularly in the South, who were disillusioned with the Democrats' handling of civil rights and social issues. Wallace's fiery speeches and populist appeal garnered significant attention and support.

In the general election, Wallace's campaign had a profound impact on the political landscape. He won five Southern states, securing 46 electoral votes and effectively breaking the New Deal coalition that had long held the South for the Democrats. While he did not win the presidency, his presence in the race drew significant votes away from Humphrey.

On November 6th, Richard Nixon emerged victorious with 301 electoral votes, running on a platform of unification, law and order, and a promise to restore normalcy to a nation weary of war and social upheaval. Wallace's 46 electoral votes demonstrated the power of his message and the shifting political dynamics in the South.

Though Nixon won the electoral college decisively, the popular vote told a different story. More Americans voted for either Humphrey or Wallace, with a combined total of 40,804,528 votes compared to Nixon's 31,710,470. The political turmoil in the United States was far from over.

Wallace's campaign left a lasting legacy, highlighting the deep divisions within the country and foreshadowing the realignment of political parties. His influence persisted, as the issues he championed continued to shape American politics in the years to come.

If you’re looking for a thick, structured tee that’s also super soft and breathable—look no further! The unisex garment-dyed heavyweight t-shirt ticks all the boxes and is made of 100% ring-spun cotton. The regular t-shirt style will complement most looks and fit you to a tee.

• 100% ring-spun cotton
• Fabric weight: 6.1 oz/yd² (206.8 g/m²)
• Garment-dyed
• Relaxed fit
• 7/8″ double-needle topstitched collar
• Twill-taped neck and shoulders for extra durability
• Double-needle armhole, sleeve, and bottom hems
• Blank product sourced from Honduras

Size guide