Truman and Eisenhower Transition Overview

A compilation of vocabulary flashcards derived from lecture notes on Truman and Eisenhower's policies and their impact on American history.

Truman's Ideals

Truman aimed to extend Roosevelt's New Deal into healthcare and civil rights through the Fair Deal.

Fair Deal

Truman's agenda aimed at promoting economic stability and social progress that included reforms like increased aid to education and expanded public housing.

21 Point Programme

A comprehensive agenda launched by Truman in September 1945 to address economic stability and social progress.

Economic Problems of Truman

Truman faced issues like demobilization leading to unemployment, inflation, and weakened union support.

G.I. Bill

Provided aids for unemployment, education, and housing for veterans, contributing to post-war economic growth.

Taft-Hartley Act

A 1947 law targeting union practices, limiting union power and creating friction with labor.

Civil Rights Advocacy

Truman's commitment to civil rights included addressing lynching laws and establishing fair employment practices.

Eisenhower's Moderation

Eisenhower advocated a 'middle way', balancing fiscal conservatism with social liberalism.

Eisenhower's Republicanism

Emphasized moderate policies adapted from Roosevelt and Truman, maintaining a non-confrontational Congress relationship.

Employment Act of 1946

Legislation aimed at promoting maximum employment, but faced rejection of comprehensive employment plans.

Brown v. Board of Education

A landmark 1954 case that ruled racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

Little Rock High School Incident

A 1957 event where Eisenhower deployed federal troops to enforce school desegregation.

National Interstate Highways Act

A 1956 law creating over 41,000 miles of highways, vital for economic growth.

Economic Policies Outcomes

Eisenhower's policies resulted in a significant GDP growth and increased income levels.

Civil Rights Acts of 1957 and 1960

Legislation aimed at combating voting rights violations, although limited in impact due to Congressional hurdles.

Eisenhower's Popularity

Resulted from effective economic management and moderate social policies.

Truman's Commitment to Civil Rights

He was the first president to address the NAACP and proposed several key civil rights reforms.

Economic Growth (1950-1960)

Eisenhower's economic policies resulted in GDP growth from $355 billion to $488 billion.

Consumer Goods Ownership by 1960

75% of the population owned cars and 87% owned at least one television.

Housing Initiatives under Truman

The National Housing Act of 1949 aimed to create 810,000 subsidized homes.

Eisenhower's Education Initiatives

The National Defense Education Act provided funding for teaching languages and sciences due to Cold War concerns.

Inflation Rates during Truman's Era

Inflation surged to 25% as the economy adjusted post-WWII.

Truman's Legislative Failures

Key healthcare and education reforms struggled to gain Congressional support.

Legacy of Eisenhower

Recognized for achieving economic growth, social policy improvements, and a pragmatic approach to civil rights.

Social Security Enhancements under Truman

Extended coverage and increased minimum wage for many Americans.

Eisenhower's Federal Commitment to Social Welfare

Established the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to address social needs.

McCarthyism's Impact

Undermined Truman's confidence and political position, portraying him weak on communism.

Democratic Divisions in 1948 Election

Divergences between Progressives and Southern Democrats weakened Truman's stance.

Truman's Victory in 1948 Election

Despite predictions, Truman won 28 states with 49.6% of the vote.

Eisenhower and Nixon's Election Victories

In 1952, Eisenhower won 39 states with 55.2% of the votes; in 1956, they secured 41 states.

Eisenhower's Congressional Relations

Maintained non-confrontational relationships, resulting in high legislative success.

Eisenhower's Economic Policy Goals

Aimed to support business through reduced spending and balanced budgets.

Economic Disparities in Eisenhower's Era

Issues in agriculture persisted alongside the era's overall affluence.

Critique of the Age of Affluence

John Galbraith argued for economic improvements, while critics highlighted enduring inequalities.

Television's Impact in the 1950s

Rise in household televisions transformed consumption patterns and cultural engagement.

Historic Perspectives on Truman's Fair Deal

Varied interpretations exist on the effectiveness and legacy of Truman's domestic policies.

Economic Management Success Indicators

Eisenhower's era marked low inflation and high approval ratings due to successful economic policies.

Social Policy Focus under Eisenhower

Promoted health, education, and welfare programs differing from previous conservative approaches.

Legislative Initiatives by Truman

Included anti-lynching laws, fair employment practices, and voting rights protections.

Inflation Challenges under Eisenhower

Faced increase in consumer debt and downturns during post-war adjustments.

Congressional Opposition to Truman

Significant resistance often undermined Truman’s domestic policy effectiveness.

Eisenhower's Civil Rights Engagement

His approach was cautious but pivotal, leading to key appointments and laws.

Truman's Mixed Legacy

Initially viewed as unsuccessful but recognized for his contributions to civil rights later.

Economic Policy Failures

Despite successes, both presidents faced notable economic challenges during their terms.

Historical Legacy of Eisenhower

Viewed as a methodical policy-maker, re-evaluated post-presidency for his strategic approach.

The Conclusion of Truman and Eisenhower's Terms

Truman left with a mixed legacy, while Eisenhower exited with high public approval and stability.