What was the primary goal of the Dixiecrats during the 1948 election?

The primary goal of the Dixiecrats during the 1948 election was to deny both major parties a majority in the electoral college. This group, officially known as the States' Rights Democratic Party, emerged in response to the civil rights platform adopted by the Democratic Party. The Dixiecrats sought to protect their interests, particularly in Southern states, by advocating for segregation and states' rights, and by positioning themselves as a third party, they aimed to disrupt the election dynamics rather than to achieve outright victory themselves.

Denying both major parties a majority reflected their strategy to force a reevaluation of their demands and concerns, particularly surrounding racial segregation and states' rights, which they felt were not adequately addressed by the larger parties. Their campaign effectively highlighted the divide in American politics during that era, particularly on issues related to civil rights and federal authority, which were contentious in the Southern states at that time. This goal was a central component of their efforts in the 1948 election.