November 3 in American History

November 3, 1948 — "Dewey Defeats Truman"

The Chicago Daily Tribune printed its early edition with the headline "DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN" — and then Truman won. The photo of a grinning Truman holding up the wrong headline became the most famous image in American political history, and a permanent warning about calling a race too early.

Common Questions

What happened on November 3 in American history?

In 1948: "Dewey Defeats Truman". The Chicago Daily Tribune printed its early edition with the headline "DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN" — and then Truman won.

Why is November 3 significant?

The Chicago Daily Tribune printed its early edition with the headline "DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN" — and then Truman won. The photo of a grinning Truman holding up the wrong headline became the most famous image in American political history, and a permanent warning about calling a race too early.

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