Truman Flashcards
When did Roosevelt die and what was the cause?
Roosevelt died in April 1945 due to a hemorrhage
Roosevelt had been President since 1933 and was elected four times.
Who succeeded Roosevelt as President?
Vice President Harry Truman succeeded Roosevelt
This was in accordance with the terms of the Constitution.
What was Truman’s experience before becoming Vice President?
Truman had been a Senator since 1934
He helped introduce several measures of Roosevelt’s New Deal.
What was Truman’s vision for extending the New Deal?
Truman aimed to create a ‘Fair Deal’ extending into healthcare and civil rights
He wanted to take New Deal measures into new areas.
What was the 21 Point Programme?
A series of social reforms proposed by Truman in September 1945
It included education aid, tax cuts, public housing, minimum wage increase, health insurance, social security, and civil rights improvements.
What was Congress’s response to Truman’s 21 Point Programme?
Most measures were rejected by Congress
Congress felt Truman was ‘bullying’ them after a short time in office.
Who opposed Truman’s civil rights measures in the 21 Point Programme?
Southern ‘Dixie’ Democrats opposed the civil rights measures
They voted with Republicans against the programme.
What significant political change occurred in 1946?
Republicans gained control of Congress for the first time since 1930
They used this power to pass the 22nd Amendment limiting the presidency to two terms.
What economic challenges did Truman face between 1945 and 1948?
Truman faced a range of economic challenges that created opposition in the trade union movement
This weakened his support as unions traditionally backed Democrats.
How did Republicans exploit the situation against Truman?
Republicans, with Southern Democrats, exploited union opposition for political advantage
This was particularly effective against Truman’s administration.
Fill in the blank: Truman wanted to create a _______ Deal.
Fair Deal
This was an extension of the New Deal into new areas.
True or False: Truman was heavily involved in decision-making during Roosevelt’s presidency.
False
Roosevelt did not involve Truman in the decision-making process.
What economic problems did Truman face?
- Demobilization of the army from 1945-49: created 9 million unemployed
- Inflation (25%) due to war –> peace economy
How did he attempt to counter said problems?
- Increasing OPA powers
- Price Control and Employment Acts of 1946
- GI Act
- Federal Housing Agency (no funding from Congress)
What problems did he face with regards to the trade unions?
- Context: Wagner Act of 1935, encouragement, 36% in unions post WW2
- 1946, inflation = more strikes, worse relations
- 18-19% price + wage rises due to strikes, inflation is worse
What responses did he have to these?
- Bad position for Truman, had to please unions but not upset SDs
- 1946, emergency powers to deal w strikes rejected by Congress
- Led to Taft-Hartley Act 1947 (anti communist oaths, outlawing of ‘closed shop’). Humiliated Truman as they overrun his veto of it
