The making of a Superpower USA - Politics (1945-1965)

What did Truman’s 1957 Doctrine enforce?

The policy of containment

What was the impact of the 1945 Full employment Bill?

Unemployment benefit was enforced, minimum wage was increased + employment was a right that required the government to ensure jobs were available

What was the impact of Truman’s 1949 Fair Deal

Social Security Act assisted slum clearance, housing was provided for the poor + minimum wage increased

Who opposed Truman’s Fair deal?

Republicans in Congress, blocked many of the reforms

What was a weakness of the 1946 Employment Act?

It did not achieve full employment

What was the impact of the 1947 Taft-Hartley Bill?

Labour unions were made liable for violations of contracts, prevented them from insisting all workers should join a union - however Truman vetoed this + Congress passed it anyway

Who won the 1948 election?

Truman - by 2 million votes

What was “dynamic Conservatism” ?

Eisenhower’s attitude - Conservative with money + liberal with humans

What did Eisenhower decrease?

The role Federal government - ended wage / price controls + reduced farm subsidies

What did Eisenhower strengthen?

Social Security programme + increased minimum wage

What was the impact of Eisenhower’s 1953 Department of Health, Education + Welfare

1st step towards better healthcare

What was the impact of the 1956 Interstate Highway System?

41,000 miles of road built - largest public works programme in US at that point

Impact of 1960 election results?

Lack of support for both candidates - closest selection since 1888

What was the aim of Kennedy’s New Frontier?

To create a more free + equal society

Who opposed Kennedy’s New Frontier?

Conservative Democrats - equal rights could lead to less votes + it would undermine rugged individualism