Harry Truman Flashcards
What did the 1947 National Security Act do?
Reorganised the US armed forces under a New Military Defence Department, based in the purpose built Pentagon. Created the CIA and the NSC.
What did Executive Order 9981 do?
Truman eliminated segregation in the army as over 150’000 African-Americans were deployed during the First World War.
When and why did the Korean War start?
The War started on the 25th of June 1950 when 75’000 North Korean soldiers crossed the border into South Korea.
By what month had American Soldiers joined the war and under what pretext were they fighting?
They joined the war in July 1950 as the South Korean army was forced back to the Busan Pocket, they did this on the basis of containment theory in which they’d prevent the spread of communism.
What did the Headlines say on the 7th July 1950?
Headlines announced that Truman wanted to increase the number of American Soldiers in Korea which is true however, it also stated that he wanted to introduce a draft and use atomic bombs both of which were not true.
Why did Truman chose to sack Douglas MacArthur?
MacArthur believed that the US should use atomic bombs not only in Korea but China as well in an attempt to dislodge communism in Asia, Truman believed that this would lead to a Third World War.
What was the Marshall plan and when was it introduced?
It was introduced in 1947 and aimed to provide billions of dollars in aid to devastated European Countries, Truman argued that communism would thrive in economic deprivation.
How did Truman deal with the Berlin blockade and when was it?
It took place in 1948 after the Soviets blockaded Western regions of the city, airlifted food and supplies.
What were the results of the 1948 Presidential election?
Truman: 303 EC votes, 28 States, 24.1 million votes, 49.6%.
Dewey: 189 EC votes, 16 States, 21.9 million votes, 45.1%.
Thurmond: 39 EC votes, 4 States, 1.2 million votes, 2.4%.
What did Fair Deal set out to do?
The Fair Deal aimed to introduce National medical insurance, federal housing programs, higher minimum wage and create a higher minimum wage. All of this helped avoid a post war recession as military industry was quickly converted into civilian industry which led to an economic boom.
What was the Housing act 1949?
It greatly increased the role of the federal government in the Housing process, for example it provided a huge sum of money to building social housing.
What did Truman create in 1949?
Truman Created the North Atlantic Treaty organisation with Canada and a number of Western European Nations, Greece and Turkey were admitted a year later.
What was the personality of Truman like?
He was not very charismatic or confident, could be overwhelmed by the importance of the job and in turn make mistakes. Some people used the phrase “to err is Truman”.
How was Truman with the media?
Saw communication with the media as important and gave careful briefings with flip-charts and pointers in regards to economic policy but was not thorough enough regarding Korea.
How was Truman with the Public?
He didn’t really try to connect with the public and did not explain strategy regarding the Korean War. His speeches were very wooden and often full of mistakes.
