Truman Domestic Policies Flashcards
What were the biggest issue facing Truman as president?
He was responsible for a series of policies at home and abroad which brought about post-war reconstruction. He also had little experience
What was Truman’s aim/plan for his presidency?
He aimed to develop a political and social system which was an example to the rest of the world and he aimed to widen the scope of the New Deal, to better the lives of all Americans
Explain the Full Employment Bill 1945
Made it so the government had to ensure that jobs were available as everyone had a right to employment
Truman’s labour relations
In November 1945, he tried to have a labour management conference but it ended without agreement which led to increased hostilities such as restricting the right to strike against the government and imposing strict penalties on those that broke the law.
Why was the result of the 1948 election a surprise?
Truman was expected to lose the election as the Democrats were split as Henry Wallace set up the progressive party. Despite this, Truman won the election following a 30,000 mile tour of the USA where he defended his actions as president and criticised the Republican “do-nothing” Congress
How successful was Truman’s Fair Deal?
It was somewhat successful as he succeeded at raising minimum wage, extending the social security act and passing an act to assist slum clearance and provide housing to the poor, however Republican and Democrat conservatives blocked many of his reform proposals
What was Truman’s report in October 1947 called and what was it about?
To Secure These Rights and criticised a country that fought for democracy but did not lead by example
What was Truman the first president to do?
Address the NAACP
What did Truman end in 1948?
Ended segregation in the Armed Forces by Executive Order
What did Truman guarantee in 1948?
Fair employment in the Civil Service
How did Truman try to improve living conditions in the ghettos and how successful was this?
Knocked down substandard housing and replaced them but it built fewer than it knocked down so left many homeless - unsuccessful
How successful was Truman?
Truman’s success was severely limited by his unpopularity which hindered him from being able to pass bills, along with his lacking support from Congress. However, he did have some success in terms of social reform such as raising minimum wage but he did not make as much change as he would have liked
How did Truman’s success compare to Eisenhower’s?
Eisenhower was far more successful than Truman mostly due to his personal popularity which allowed him to pass more legislation and he also succeeded in ensuring the levels of reform he was aiming for. He also had a better relationship with Congress because he did not intervene with legislation as much.
What years was Truman president?
1945-53
