The changing political environment, 1945-61 - President Truman

What were there demands for and how did Truman respond?

• 1946, post-war inflation prompted unsuccessful demands for pay rises and widespread strikes
• Truman failed to mediate between railroad workers + management
• Truman then threatened to conscript the railroad workers, while congress debated this, the strike was called off

What did steel workers threaten to do and how did Truman respond?

• During the Korean War, steel workers proposed a strike threatening the manufacture of munitions
• Truman seized control of the steel mills under Executive Order No. 10340
• Supreme court ruled the president had exceeded his authority, attempting to demonstrate strong leadership he instead humiliated himself

What was Truman’s relationship with Congress?

• Congress rejected most of Truman’s proposals + Truman vetoed 250 bills passed by Congress, which overrode him 12 times
• 1951, Congress passed the 22nd Amendment, setting a maximum two-term limit on Presidents
• Congress resented the increased power of the presidency under Roosevelt and was determined to regain the initiative

What was Truman’s leadership style?