1868 Republican National Convention

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1868 {{{party}}} National Convention

Convention
Date(s)	May 20–21, 1868
City	Chicago, Illinois
Venue	Crosby's Opera House
Chair
Keynote speaker
Notable speakers
Presidential nominee	Ulysses S. Grant of Illinois
Vice presidential nominee	Schuyler Colfax of Indiana

The 1868 Republican National Convention was a significant political event in the history of the United States. It was held at Crosby's Opera House in Chicago, Illinois, from May 20 to May 21, 1868. The convention was organized by the Republican Party to select their candidates for the 1868 presidential election.

Background

The 1868 convention was the first to be held after the end of the American Civil War and during the period of Reconstruction. The political climate was charged with issues related to the reintegration of the Southern states and the rights of newly freed African Americans.

Presidential Nomination

The convention nominated Ulysses S. Grant, a prominent Union Army general and war hero, as their candidate for President. Grant was widely popular and seen as a symbol of Union victory and national unity. He received the nomination on the first ballot with overwhelming support.

Vice Presidential Nomination

For the vice-presidential nomination, the convention selected Schuyler Colfax, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. Colfax was chosen for his political experience and his support for Reconstruction policies.

Platform

The platform adopted by the convention emphasized the achievements of the Republican Party during the Civil War and Reconstruction. It called for the continued protection of civil rights for all citizens, including the newly freed African Americans, and supported measures to ensure their full integration into American society.

Key Issues

• Reconstruction
• Civil rights
• Economic policy
• Veterans' benefits

Related Pages

• Republican Party (United States)
• Ulysses S. Grant
• Schuyler Colfax
• United States presidential election, 1868
• Reconstruction era of the United States
• American Civil War