Truman and Eisenhower in the 1940s and 1950s Flashcards
Truman’s Full Employment Bill 1945
This Bill declared employment to be a right and required the government to ensure that hobs were available.
The Bill increased the dole, included a higher minimum wage, farm price supports and a public works programme.
What was the context of labour relations under Truman
The WW2 had brought about inflation which encouraged union leaders to call strikes demanding wage rises.
Truman’s attitude in Labour relations
Truman wanted to introduce legislation that would restrict the right to strike against the government and would impose sever penalties on those that broke the law.
He demonstrated the continued hostility of the Federal Government to labour and strike action.
Truman’s social policy
The Fair Deal in 1949
Raised the minimum wage, extended the Social Security Act and passed an act to assist slum clearance and to provide housing for the poor.
Eisenhower domestic achievements
• The Interstate Highway System 1956
Eisenhower created the Interstate Highway System in 1956, the single largest public works programme, which would construct 41,000 miles of roads across the country.
Critics of Eisenhower
Critics at the time accused him of being far too conservative, a do nothing president
Critics of Eisenhower
• Cabinet
His cabinet was composed mainly of millionaire businessmen, three of whom had worked in the car industry.
Critics of Eisenhower
• Civil Rights
He seemed to show little sympathy for civil rights.
Revisionist of Eisenhower’s presidency
He chose an able team, delegated well and had a good record as a mediator.
Eisenhower with Congress
He worked well with a Congress which, for most of his presidency, was controlled by the Democrats and was popular with most Americans.
Domestic achievements of Eisenhower
• Success with Congress
Eisenhower was a moderate Republican, and was able to achieve numerous legislative victories despite a Democratic majority in Congress during six of his eight years of office.
What did it mean by Eisenhower’s dynamic conservatism
Eisenhower was ‘being conservative when it comes to money and liberal when it comes to human beings.’
What was Eisenhower determined to change?
Eisenhower was determined, and succeeded in, decreasing the role of federal government.
Example of Eisenhower decreasing the role of federal government
Eisenhower ended wage and price controls and reduced farm subsidies.
What was Eisenhower’s view on the role of federal government on welfare?
Eisenhower accepted that federal government should have some responsibility for the welfare of its citizens and that it should promote economic growth
Eisenhower’s achievement in welfare
He strengthened the Social Security programme, increased the minimum wage and created the Department of Health, Education and Welfare.
Limitation of Truman’s Fair Deal in 1949
Truman tried to introduce a whole range of welfare measures but Republican and Democratic conservatives blocked many of his reform proposals.
Truman on civil rights
Truman was the first president since Lincoln to make a significant contribution to the development of civil rights.
What was Truman’s achievements on civil rights
• The Civil Rights Committee
In September 1946, Truman set up the Civil Rights Committee to investigate racial abuse.
What was Truman’s achievements on civil rights
• His call
Truman called for laws to prevent lynching, the abolition of the poll tax, and the FEPC to be made a permanent fixture.
Shortfall of Truman’s record on civil rights
A coalition of 20 Southern Democrats and 15 Republicans blocked every civil rights measure that was introduced into the Senate, for example, anti-lynching bills.
Eisenhower’s view on civil rights
Eisenhower maintained that legislation could not change people’s attitude, and thus passing laws to stop segregation would not work
