Hubert Humphrey

Hubert Humphrey
Library of Congress · Public domain · source
Name	Hubert Humphrey
Office	38th Vice President of the United States
Term start	January 20, 1965
Term end	January 20, 1969
President	Lyndon B. Johnson
Office2	United States Senator from Minnesota
Term start2	January 3, 1945
Term end2	December 29, 1978
Preceded2	Harold Stassen
Succeeded2	Walter Mondale
Birth date	May 27, 1915
Birth place	Wallace, South Dakota
Death date	January 16, 1978
Death place	Waverly, Minnesota
Party	Democratic

Hubert Humphrey

Hubert Humphrey was an American politician who served as the 38th Vice President of the United States under Lyndon B. Johnson from 1965 to 1969. He was a prominent figure in the US Civil Rights Movement, advocating for civil rights and social justice throughout his career. Humphrey's commitment to these causes had a lasting impact on American politics.

Early Life and Political Beginnings

Hubert Humphrey was born on May 27, 1915, in Wallace, South Dakota. He grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and attended University of Minnesota and University of Paris. Humphrey began his political career in 1943, working as a supervisor for the Office of Price Administration in Minneapolis. In 1945, he was elected as a United States Senator from Minnesota, a position he held until 1978.

1948 Democratic National Convention and Civil Rights

In 1948, Humphrey played a crucial role in the 1948 Democratic National Convention, where he helped to pass a strong civil rights platform for the Democratic Party. This move was seen as a significant step forward for the party, as it marked a shift towards greater support for civil rights. Humphrey's efforts were met with resistance from some southern delegates, but he ultimately helped to secure the passage of the platform.

Senate Career and Civil Rights Advocacy

During his time in the Senate, Humphrey was a vocal advocate for civil rights. He supported the Civil Rights Act of 1957 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and was a key player in the passage of the Great Society programs. Humphrey also worked closely with other prominent civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr.. In 1964, he was a strong supporter of the 24th Amendment, which prohibited the federal government and the states from denying the right to vote in federal elections due to the non-payment of a poll tax or other tax.

Vice Presidency under Lyndon B. Johnson

In 1964, Humphrey was chosen by Lyndon B. Johnson as his running mate in the 1964 presidential election. As Vice President, Humphrey continued to advocate for civil rights and social justice. He was a key figure in the administration's efforts to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1965 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Humphrey also played a role in the Johnson Administration's efforts to address issues of poverty and inequality.

1968 Presidential Campaign

In 1968, Humphrey ran for President but lost to Richard Nixon. His campaign was marked by a strong focus on social justice and civil rights, and he was seen as a champion of liberal causes. Humphrey's campaign was also notable for its use of grassroots organizing and community outreach.

Later Senate Career and Legacy

After his presidential campaign, Humphrey returned to the Senate, where he continued to advocate for civil rights and social justice. He was a strong supporter of the Humphrey-Hawkins Full Employment Act of 1978, which aimed to reduce unemployment and promote economic growth. Humphrey's legacy as a champion of civil rights and social justice has endured, and he remains one of the most important figures in American politics. He died on January 16, 1978, at the age of 62.

Category:US Civil Rights Movement Category:Democratic Party (United States) Category:Vice Presidents of the United States Category:United States Senators from Minnesota Category:Civil Rights Act of 1964 Category:Voting Rights Act of 1965 Category:Great Society