What significant event occurred during the 1968 Democratic Convention?

The significant event during the 1968 Democratic Convention was that Vice President Hubert Humphrey secured the nomination without participating in the primaries. This was notable because it highlighted the contentious nature of the convention and the dissatisfaction with the existing nomination process. Humphrey entered the convention as the frontrunner due to his position as Vice President, but did not compete in the primaries, which many party members found controversial.

This event also underscored the divisions within the Democratic Party at the time, particularly in the context of the Vietnam War and civil rights issues. The backlash against the convention's outcome contributed to calls for reform in the nomination process, ultimately leading to changes that allowed for more inclusive and democratic procedures in selecting candidates in future elections.