In 1928, the presidential election was primarily contested between Herbert Hoover, the Republican nominee, and Alfred E. Smith, the Democratic nominee. Hoover was Secretary of Commerce under President Calvin Coolidge, while Smith was the Governor of New York. Hoover represented a continuation of the Republican dominance in the White House, while Smith’s candidacy was notable for several reasons, including his Roman Catholic background, his advocacy for urban reforms, and his opposition to Prohibition.
Key Issues in West Virginia during the 1928 Election
West Virginia had a unique set of issues influencing the vote in 1928:
- Economic Dependence on Coal Mining: West Virginia’s economy was heavily reliant on coal mining, and this was a key issue during the election. The coal industry had long been at the center of the state’s economy, but it faced increasing challenges, including labor unrest, economic instability, and the decline in wages for miners. West Virginia voters were concerned about economic relief and improvement in labor conditions, which often translated into support for candidates who promised economic revitalization.
- Prohibition: Prohibition (the nationwide ban on alcohol, which lasted from 1920 to 1933) was another hot-button issue in the 1928 election. West Virginia, like many states, had a mixed response to Prohibition. Many rural and conservative voters supported it, but there was also significant opposition from working-class and immigrant communities, particularly in urban areas. Smith, as a Catholic, was seen as more sympathetic to the anti-Prohibition sentiment, while Hoover was associated with the Prohibitionist agenda, which caused Smith to gain some traction in areas with heavy opposition to the law.
- Religious Concerns: Smith’s Catholicism was a major issue in the election, particularly in more Protestant regions of the country. West Virginia was a state where religious identity mattered deeply, and Smith faced significant opposition because of his Catholic faith. Many Protestant voters feared that electing a Catholic would lead to undue influence from the Pope and the Catholic Church in American politics. This prejudice was particularly strong in rural parts of the state.
- Industrial vs. Rural Divide: The economic and social divide between the industrialized areas of the state (which were more urban and labor-oriented) and the rural regions (which were more conservative and traditionally Protestant) played a significant role in determining voter preferences. Hoover, as the candidate of prosperity, appealed more to the rural, pro-business factions, while Smith found support among workers and those in urban centers.
Voting Breakdown in West Virginia
In 1928, West Virginia’s electoral votes were aligned with the national trend, but there were some localized voting dynamics that impacted the results:
- Herbert Hoover (Republican): Hoover dominated the state in terms of overall support. He won the majority of West Virginia’s votes, carrying the state with around 62% of the vote.
- Alfred E. Smith (Democratic): Smith, despite his strong appeal in some areas, particularly urban centers, was largely unable to overcome the issues of religion and Prohibition in West Virginia. He secured about 37% of the vote, which was lower than his national performance. His Catholicism was a major factor in reducing his support among West Virginia’s Protestant population.
The Role of Local Politics
The local political landscape was also a key factor. West Virginia’s Democratic Party was still trying to overcome the legacy of the “Redneck” uprising during the 1920s, a time when coal miners and their families engaged in armed resistance to mining companies and government authorities. These social and economic tensions were reflected in voting behavior, and Hoover’s promises of business-friendly policies were viewed favorably by those in rural areas or involved in mining operations who were seeking stability.
On the other hand, the urban areas, especially around Charleston, leaned more towards Smith, whose policies on urban renewal and Prohibition resonated with some segments of the working class, even if his Catholicism remained a problem for a larger portion of the electorate.
Statistical Breakdown
- Voter Turnout: West Virginia had a relatively high voter turnout in 1928, with about 68% of eligible voters participating in the election, consistent with the national average at the time.
- County-Level Voting Trends:
- Urban Areas: Cities like Charleston, Wheeling, and Huntington showed more support for Smith, although this was tempered by the strong Protestant sentiments in these areas. Smith still performed better in these locations due to his policies and urban background.
- Rural Areas: Hoover performed exceptionally well in rural counties, where the Protestant population was more dominant and anti-Catholic sentiment was strong. These areas were also more supportive of Hoover’s pro-business, pro-Prohibition stance.
- Minority Groups: West Virginia had relatively few African American voters compared to other states in the South or the Northeast, but even within the white voter base, ethnic and religious divisions influenced voting. Eastern European immigrants and Catholics tended to support Smith, although not enough to overcome Hoover’s wide appeal.
Conclusion
In the 1928 election, West Virginia was largely aligned with the national trend, favoring Herbert Hoover over Alfred E. Smith. Hoover’s appeal as a businessman and his support for Prohibition helped him secure a solid victory in the state, especially among rural voters. Smith’s Catholicism, while not as divisive in West Virginia as it was in some other parts of the country, was still a significant issue, particularly in rural Protestant communities. The economic concerns related to the coal industry and the divisions between urban and rural areas played a pivotal role in determining the outcome. Despite Smith’s popularity in some urban centers, the religious and economic dynamics in West Virginia ultimately tilted the state in favor of the Republican candidate.
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