Notes on Truman and Eisenhower Compared

Learning Objectives

  • Develop an understanding of the comparisons between Truman and Eisenhower regarding achievements and limitations.

Task Questions

  • Reflect on the 1950s as an "Age of Affluence": What were key features supporting and opposing this idea?
  • Formulate your overall view on the extent of affluence during the 1950s.

Domestic Policies Comparison (1945-1961)

Key Points for Consideration

  • Similarities and Differences: Analyze and contrast economic, social, civil rights, foreign policy impacts, party relations, and relations with Congress.
  • Overall Judgment: Determine whose administration enjoyed greater success.

Background and Aims

  • Truman:

    • Experienced in regional politics, unexpectedly rose to presidency.
    • Aims: Transition U.S. from war to peace, avoid high unemployment, promote a fair society.

  • Eisenhower:

    • Lacked prior political experience, but had major decision-making roles in WWII and NATO.
    • Aims: Reduce federal spending, encourage economic reform, avoid reversing New Deal/Fair Deal.

Achievements

Truman

  • Fair Deal (1949): Extended New Deal benefits (e.g., social security, minimum wage).
  • National Housing Act (1949): Delivered 810,000 homes via subsidies.
  • GI Bill (1946): Offered unemployment relief and education loans for returning veterans.
  • Civil Rights Advancement: Supported NAACP, integrated armed forces, made civil rights a key policy issue.

Eisenhower

  • Economic Stimulation: Reduced taxes and limited "big government;" increased jobs through consumerism.
  • Infrastructure Development: National Interstate Highways Act supported economic growth.
  • Civil Rights Legislation: Enacted Civil Rights Acts of 1957 and 1960.
  • Social Commitments: Improved housing and healthcare initiatives.

Limitations

Truman

  • Policy Implementation: Struggled to pass key policies, even under a Democrat-majority Congress.
  • Economic Hardships: Faced inflation and inadequate employment transitions for soldiers.
  • Political Challenges: Had difficulties managing party divisions and Congress.

Eisenhower

  • Economic Inequalities: Despite affluence, notable agricultural decline; persistent poverty.
  • Civil Rights Limitations: Faced opposition, and legislation had limited impact.
  • Military Influence: Limited power due to the military lobby's interests.

Conclusion of Terms

  • Truman (1953): Economic transformation, but overshadowed by Cold War spending.
  • Eisenhower (1961): The economy thriving in the "Age of Affluence," improved Cold War relations.

Historiography

  • Truman's presidency evolved in perception; criticized for unfulfilled promises in health/education vs. viewed for Fair Deal contributions (Schweikart & Allen).
  • Eisenhower perceived as both popular due to his style and criticized as "do-nothing" (Griffith & Diggins).

Final Reflection Questions

  1. Assess Truman's most important domestic policy contribution (1945-1953).
  2. Assess Eisenhower's most significant domestic policy achievement (1953-1961).
  3. Determine if a clear judgment on effectiveness as president can be made between the two.