How Chicago’s political conventions have altered American history

Chicago has shaped American politics through its political conventions, beyond the notorious 1968 Democratic National Convention.

1932 Democratic National Convention
Demonstration for Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1932 Democratic National Convention, Chicago, 1932 DN-0103679, Chicago Sun-Times / Chicago Daily News collection, Chicago History Museum
1932 Democratic National Convention
Demonstration for Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1932 Democratic National Convention, Chicago, 1932 DN-0103679, Chicago Sun-Times / Chicago Daily News collection, Chicago History Museum

How Chicago’s political conventions have altered American history

Chicago has shaped American politics through its political conventions, beyond the notorious 1968 Democratic National Convention.

WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the stories that matter.
Vietnam War protesters flock around the Logan Statue
Vietnam War protesters flock around the General John Logan Memorial monument in Grant Park during the 1968 Democratic National Convention, Chicago, Illinois. Gary Settle for Chicago Sun-Times

Of the political conventions held in Chicago, the 1968 Democratic National Convention is the most notorious.

Today, images from the bloody anti-war protest tell the story of a nation in the throes of great change.

But Chicago has a deep history of hosting political conventions that predates 1968. Chicago’s central location and diverse population make it an obvious draw for politicians looking to spread their message far and wide. The city has hosted an unprecedented 24 national political conventions, more than any other city in America. And some of those conventions — like the one in 1968 — would alter the course of American history.

Franklin D. Roosevelt speaking at Democratic National Convention
Franklin D Roosevelt speaking at Democratic National Convention Description: Franklin D. Roosevelt speaking at the Democratic National Convention, Chicago, Illinois, July 1932 DN-0104651A, Chicago Sun-Times / Chicago Daily News collection, Chicago History Museum

It was here in 1860 — less than a year before the start of the Civil War — that Abraham Lincoln was nominated by the Republican Party.

During the 1888 Republican National Convention in Chicago, Frederick Douglass became the first African-American to win a vote in presidential balloting at a major party convention, according to the Library of Congress. Douglass received one vote.

Urban historian and WBEZ contributor Shermann “Dilla” Thomas unearths the history of political conventions in Chicago.

Parade during 1892 Democratic National Convention
View of a band marching in a parade during the 1892 Democratic National Convention, Chicago, Illinois, June 1892. Chicago History Museum, ICHi-026216