The Truman Presidency Flashcards
What challenges did Harry Truman face upon becoming president?
Truman was seen as an “accidental president” after Roosevelt’s death in 1945. He faced immediate critical decisions regarding the conclusion of World War II and the start of the Cold War, with little time to focus on domestic issues.
How did Truman approach post-war reconstruction?
Truman believed the USA was the world’s best hope for peace and prosperity and aimed to set an example through its political and social system. However, he faced significant opposition from a conservative coalition in Congress, leading to a contentious relationship and frequent vetoes.
What was the Full Employment Bill of 1945, and what happened to it?
The Full Employment Bill aimed to guarantee employment as a right. It faced opposition, particularly from businesses, and was revised into the Employment Act of 1946, which instead emphasized “maximum employment, production, and purchasing power.” Truman acknowledged its limitations but viewed it as the start of future progress.
What was the outcome of the Labor-Management Conference of 1945?
Despite Truman’s efforts to foster dialogue between union leaders and employers, the November 1945 conference ended without agreement, reflecting deep tensions between labor and management.
What were the United Mine Workers’ demands in 1946?
In April 1946, the United Mine Workers, led by John L. Lewis, went on strike demanding higher wages as part of a broader wave of post-war labor unrest.
How did Truman respond to the Railroad Strikes of 1946?
Truman responded by seizing control of the railroads and threatening to draft striking workers into the armed forces to maintain operations, leading to the strike’s end.
What was the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947?
The Taft-Hartley Act aimed to curb union power by making unions liable for violations of contracts, prohibiting closed shops, and giving the president authority to stop strikes affecting national security. Truman vetoed it, but Congress overrode the veto.
What was the significance of the 1946 midterm elections?
In the 1946 midterm elections, the Republican Party gained control of both the House and Senate for the first time since 1928, leading to increased opposition to Truman’s policies, including the passage of the Taft-Hartley Act.
What was Truman’s “Turnip Day Session” in 1948?
In July 1948, Truman called a special session of Congress to pass New Deal-type measures such as civil rights legislation and national health insurance. However, his proposals faced strong opposition and were not enacted.
How did Truman secure victory in the 1948 presidential election?
Despite predictions of defeat, Truman embarked on a 30,000-mile “whistle-stop” tour to defend his administration’s achievements and criticize the “Do-Nothing Congress.” He won a historic electoral upset, regaining a majority and control of Congress.
What was Truman’s “Fair Deal” in his second term?
Truman’s “Fair Deal” aimed to build upon the New Deal, proposing reforms like tax system changes, Social Security expansion, civil rights initiatives, federal aid for small farmers, and improvements in education and public housing.
What successes did Truman achieve through his Fair Deal program?
Truman raised the minimum wage, expanded Social Security, and passed the Housing Act of 1949, which facilitated slum clearance and the construction of new public housing units.
What international crises dominated Truman’s second term?
Truman’s second term was marked by the Communist Revolution in China (1949), the Soviet Union’s atomic bomb test (1949), and the Korean War (1950-1953), which escalated the Cold War and intensified domestic anti-communist sentiment.
How did Truman handle the Communist Revolution in China?
Truman faced the establishment of the People’s Republic of China under Mao Zedong in 1949, which heightened fears of communism spreading in Asia.
What was the impact of the Soviet atomic bomb test on the U.S.?
The Soviet Union’s successful atomic bomb test in 1949 ended the U.S. monopoly on nuclear weapons, escalating the arms race during the Cold War.
What was Truman’s response to the Korean War?
When North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950, Truman committed U.S. forces under the United Nations to repel the invasion, marking a significant Cold War military engagement.
How did historian James T. Patterson assess Truman’s leadership?
Patterson described Truman as a “decent, moderately liberal man” who endeavored to uphold and extend Roosevelt’s New Deal legacy, despite significant opposition. Truman’s persistence led to important social and economic reforms, and he navigated global challenges effectively.
