10 Instances Where One Vote Changed the World

History is often shaped by pivotal moments, and sometimes, these moments hinge on the decisions of a single individual. From legislative votes that determined the fate of nations to life-or-death calls that averted disaster, the power of one vote has left an indelible mark on history. These stories remind us of the profound influence that even the smallest voices can have, especially when the stakes are at their highest.

This list explores ten instances where one vote—or the choice of one individual—altered the course of events in ways that still resonate today.

Related: 10 Crazy Conspiracy Theories from Early American History

10 The Annexation of Texas (1845)

In 1845, the U.S. Senate voted to annex Texas by a razor-thin margin, with one decisive vote determining the outcome. At the time, Texas was an independent republic that had broken away from Mexico nearly a decade earlier. Its annexation was highly contentious, as it risked provoking war with Mexico and intensifying the divide over slavery in the United States. Pro-slavery advocates saw Texas as an opportunity to expand their influence, while opponents feared it would tip the balance of power in favor of the slave-holding states.

After the vote, Mexico declared war on the U.S., resulting in the Mexican-American War (1846–1848). This conflict led to a decisive U.S. victory and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which added vast territories to the United States, including California, Arizona, and New Mexico. These new lands reshaped the country’s economic and political landscape, particularly as the discovery of gold in California spurred westward expansion. The annexation also stoked tensions leading to the Civil War, highlighting how one vote can have long-lasting and far-reaching consequences.^[1]

9 Women’s Right to Vote in Tennessee (1920)

In 1920, Tennessee became the final state needed to ratify the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. The state legislature was deadlocked on the issue, and a single vote—cast by Harry T. Burn—secured its passage. Burn, only 24 years old, initially opposed the amendment. However, he changed his vote after receiving a letter from his mother, Febb Burn, urging him to “be a good boy” and do the right thing for women’s suffrage.

The ratification in Tennessee gave the 19th Amendment the required three-fourths majority of states, making it the law of the land. This pivotal moment enfranchised millions of women across the United States and represented the culmination of decades of activism. Burn’s decision, influenced by his mother’s plea, demonstrated the power of personal conviction in shaping history. The amendment’s passage fundamentally altered American democracy, paving the way for greater gender equality and expanded civil rights.^[2]

8 Adolf Hitler’s Appointment as Chancellor (1933)

Adolf Hitler’s rise to power hinged on a critical vote in the German Reichstag in 1933. The Enabling Act, which effectively gave Hitler dictatorial powers, passed by a narrow margin, with a single vote tipping the scales. This act allowed Hitler to bypass parliamentary processes, consolidate his control, and implement policies without checks or balances. The deciding vote came from the Center Party, whose support was secured after Hitler promised to protect religious freedoms—a promise he quickly broke.

The passage of the Enabling Act dismantled Germany’s democratic institutions and marked the beginning of the Nazi regime. Hitler used his newfound authority to suppress opposition, enact anti-Semitic laws, and launch aggressive territorial expansions. This one vote had catastrophic global repercussions, directly leading to World War II and the Holocaust, which claimed tens of millions of lives. The decision underscores the fragility of democracy and how quickly it can be eroded through manipulation and fear.^[3]

7 California’s Anti-Slavery Constitution (1849)

In 1849, California drafted its first state constitution, and the question of slavery was fiercely debated. Delegates at the constitutional convention were deeply divided, with some advocating for California to become a slave state due to its agricultural potential. A single vote ultimately determined that California would enter the Union as a free state, tipping the balance of power between free and slave states in the U.S. Senate.

This decision had far-reaching consequences. It heightened tensions between North and South, contributing to the political environment that would eventually lead to the Civil War. California’s status as a free state also played a significant role in its rapid economic growth during the Gold Rush, attracting a diverse population of settlers seeking fortune and freedom. The narrow vote at the convention underscored the precarious nature of the nation’s division over slavery and the immense impact of individual decisions on the course of American history.^[4]

6 John Adams Wins the Presidency (1796)

In the U.S. presidential election of 1796, John Adams defeated Thomas Jefferson by a margin of just one electoral vote, securing 71 votes to Jefferson’s 68. This razor-thin victory marked the first contested presidential election in U.S. history, setting a precedent for the nation’s fledgling democracy. The election highlighted deep divisions between the Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties, with Adams representing the former and Jefferson the latter.

Adams’ presidency was shaped by these partisan tensions, including his controversial support for the Alien and Sedition Acts, which limited press freedom and targeted immigrants. The close vote also exposed flaws in the electoral system, where the second-highest vote-getter became vice president, leading to an awkward partnership between Adams and Jefferson. This election ultimately influenced the passage of the 12th Amendment, which restructured the electoral process to prevent similar conflicts in the future.^[5]

5 Alaska Purchase Approval (1867)

The U.S. acquisition of Alaska from Russia was approved by a single vote in the Senate in 1867. The deal, negotiated by Secretary of State William H. Seward for $7.2 million, was widely mocked at the time as “Seward’s Folly.” Critics argued that Alaska was a barren wasteland, unfit for settlement or development. However, Seward believed the purchase was strategically and economically advantageous, particularly for expanding U.S. influence in the Pacific.

That one vote secured a territory rich in resources, including oil, gold, and fisheries, which would prove vital to the U.S. economy. Alaska also became a key strategic location during World War II and the Cold War, bolstering America’s national defense. Today, it is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife, a far cry from the ridicule it faced at the time of its purchase.^[6]

4 The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson (1868)

In 1868, President Andrew Johnson narrowly avoided removal from office by one vote during his impeachment trial in the Senate. Johnson, who clashed with Congress over Reconstruction policies, was accused of violating the Tenure of Office Act by dismissing Secretary of War Edwin Stanton without approval. The deciding vote came from Senator Edmund G. Ross, who broke with his party to vote against the conviction.

Ross faced immense political and personal backlash for his decision, which he claimed was made to preserve the independence of the executive branch. Johnson’s acquittal allowed him to finish his term, but it weakened the presidency and hindered efforts to enforce Reconstruction policies in the South. This vote remains one of the most contentious moments in U.S. political history, raising questions about the balance of power and the limits of executive authority.^[7]

3 Texas Railroad Commission Vote on Oil (1931)

In 1931, the Texas Railroad Commission faced a critical decision on whether to regulate oil production during the East Texas Oil Boom. The region was producing oil at an unprecedented rate, leading to a supply glut that caused prices to collapse. With the industry on the brink of chaos, the commission cast a decisive vote to impose strict production quotas [LINK 8]. This vote, determined by a single commissioner, stabilized the market and saved countless small oil producers from financial ruin.

The impact of this decision went far beyond Texas. By limiting production, the commission created a regulatory model that influenced oil policies globally, laying the groundwork for organizations like OPEC. It also introduced the concept of prorationing, where production was aligned with demand to prevent oversupply. This one vote not only saved the regional economy but also set a precedent for managing natural resources responsibly, a practice that continues to shape the energy sector today.^[8]

2 California Proposition 13 (1978)

Proposition 13, a groundbreaking California ballot initiative, passed in 1978 with razor-thin margins in some precincts, transforming the state’s tax landscape. The measure capped property taxes at 1% of the assessed value and required a two-thirds majority for future tax increases, fundamentally altering how public services were funded. This vote was fueled by a wave of taxpayer frustration over skyrocketing property taxes, which many feared would price them out of their homes.

The effects of Proposition 13 were both immediate and enduring. While it provided relief to homeowners, it also drastically reduced revenue for public schools, infrastructure, and local governments. Critics argue that the measure widened income inequality and exacerbated housing shortages, as long-time property owners benefited while newcomers faced higher costs. Supporters, however, credit it with preserving homeownership for many Californians and inspiring similar tax revolts nationwide. This single vote reshaped fiscal policy debates across the U.S., with ripple effects still felt today.^[9]

1 Vasili Arkhipov Prevents Nuclear War (1962)

During the Cuban Missile Crisis, Soviet naval officer Vasili Arkhipov cast a critical vote that prevented the launch of nuclear torpedoes from a submarine targeted by American forces. Under intense pressure, the submarine’s captain and political officer both supported firing, believing that war had already begun. Protocol required unanimous consent from all three officers, and Arkhipov’s dissent halted the launch [LINK 10]. His refusal to escalate the situation came despite the submarine being harassed by American depth charges, which had pushed its crew to the brink of panic.

Arkhipov’s decision likely averted catastrophic nuclear conflict, as the torpedoes would have triggered retaliation and a full-scale war between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. His actions went unrecognized for decades, but historians now regard him as one of the key figures who saved humanity from annihilation. The incident underscores the fragility of global peace during the Cold War and the profound responsibility of individual decision-makers in moments of crisis.^[10]