U.S. presidential election, 1916

Introduction

In 1916, Europe was embroiled in World War I. American sentiment leaned towards the Allied Powers due to the German occupation of parts of France and Belgium, but most American voters wanted to avoid involvement in the war, and preferred a policy of strict neutrality.

Republican nomination

Republican Convention, The Coliseum, Chicago

The Republican Convention was held in Chicago, Illinois from 7 June to 10 June. Supreme Court justice Charles Evans Hughes was nominated as a compromise candidate to unite the Republican and Progressive factions which had split in 1912.

Democratic nomination

The Democratic Convention was held in Saint Louis, Missouri from 14 June to 16 June, renominating the sitting president Wilson.

Other candidates

The Progressives renominated former President Theodore Roosevelt, but he withdrew from the race and supported Hughes.

General election

Woodrow Wilson campaigned for reelection on a pledge of continued neutrality in the Great War in Europe. Hughes adopted a program of greater mobilization and preparedness, but narrowly lost the election.

Election results

See also

• President of the United States
• U.S. presidential election
• 1916
• History of the United States (1865-1918)
• Other close U.S. presidential elections: 1800, 1844, 1876, 1884, 1888, 1960, 1968, 1976, 2000, 2004

Other elections