1. 1 Domestic Politics and Policy Angela Brown Chapter 17 Section 3

2. 2 Truman’s Domestic Policies Truman wanted to follow in FDR’s footsteps but often seem ill- prepared. offered a new batch of proposals in every speech people wondered about focus

3. 3 Moving to a Peacetime Economy First priority was reconversion. Got most soldiers home by 1946 “no boats, no votes”. Lifting economic controls difficult – people wanted goods right away control eased = 25% inflation people still could not enjoy fruits of sacrifice

4. 4 1946 - 4.6 million workers on strike demanded wage increases they had forgone for the sake of war. Truman thought demands inflationary and feared it would destroy economy. 1946 railroad strikes Truman ask Congress for right to draft strikers into the army. He could then order them back on the job as soldiers – rejected by Senate.

5. 5 John L. Lewis United Mine Workers defied a court order against a strike = contempt of court. Fined Lewis “$10,000 and Union $3.5 million 1947 Taft-Hartley Act allowed President to declare a 80-day cooling-off period when industry strikes affected national. Workers had to return to work while government conducted a study of the situation.

6. 6 Required Union officials to sign non- communist Oaths. Congress passed over president veto.

7. 7 Truman’s Fair Deal Fair Deal extended the New Deal’s goals- agreed government needed to play an active role in securing economic justice for all. 21 point program to promote full employment, higher minimum wage, unemployment compensation, housing assistance an more, national health insurance program.

8. 8 Tremendous political opposition in Congress – only passed Employment Act of 1946 creating a council of economic advisors to advise the President. Midterm elections republicans won a majority in both houses. Comments: “To err is Truman” – “You just sort of forget about Harry until he makes another mistake.”

9. 9 The Election of 1948 Had no reason to expect victory Dixicrats broke with democratic party and nominated Strom Thurmond Liberal wing followed Henry Wallace – Progressive Wallace had been FDR’s second VP – Truman’s Sec. of Commerce – had resigned, did not support Truman’s cold war policies

10. 10 Ran against republican Thomas Dewey – Gov of New York Truman campaigned against “do nothing” republican Congress electrifying off-the-cuff speeches people yelled “Give em hell, Harry” Upset win- papers already printing Dewey’s win out of FDR’s shadow – President in own right – pushed to further legislation goals with only occasional successes Instances of corruption among fed officials further hurt Truman’s image.

11. 11 Don’t Believe Everything You Read!! http://www.eagleton.rutgers.edu/e-gov/archive/truman.gif

12. 12 Dwight Eisenhower and the Republican Approach 1952 Democratic Candidate against Governor of Illinois, Adlai Stevenson against Rep. Dwight D. Eisenhower, former Commander in Chief of Allied forces, President of Columbia University, head of NATO Truman a scrappy fighter Ike a talented diplomat, easy going charm gave Americans a sense of security

13. 13 Dwight D. Eisenhower http://zfacts.com/metaPage/lib/Eisenhower-L.jpg

14. 14 Chant, “I like Ike” – Republican formula for victory, “K 1 C 2 “ – end Korean War, communism, corruption Running mate – Richard Nixon http://www.medaloffreedom.com/DwightEisenhower_RichardNixon.jpg http://magazine.lib.duke.edu/issue19/notes4.jpg

15. 15 The Checkers Speech Snag – Sept 1952 – newspaper accused Richard Nixon of having a special fund set up by rich republican supporters-Nixon innocent – many called for him to be removed from the ticket Sept 23, Nixon on TV and explained situation in own words, gave detailed account of personal finances Admitted one gift – Cocker Spaniel – kids like the dog and we’re keeping it

16. 16 Requested people contact Ike’s campaign to register opinion whether he should stay on ticket – People demanded Nixon continue on ticket Eisenhower won with 55% of vote and a republican Congress http://www.americanrhetoric.com/images/nixonandcheckers.jpeg

17. 17 Eisenhower as President Eisenhower style was to work behind scene. misinterpreted as lack of leadership Eisenhower responded to critics that leadership is patience etc. People approved of Ike. 1956 election against Stevenson again = won 58% of vote

18. 18 Modern Republicanism Modern republicanism – slow growth of federal government. Limit Presidential power, increase authority of Congress and courts, cut spending, reducing, taxes, balancing budget – favored big business Spoke out against welfare state by continued New Deal policies Cabinet “eight millionaires and a plumber” (union leader)

19. 19 Attempt to balance budget backfired – spending cuts = economy slump = tax revenue dropped = deficit larger Country suffered three economic recession during Eisenhower’s presidency. Helped maintain a mood of stability – ensure economic security of all Americans 1956 Social Security extended to make eligible 10 million additional workers.

20. 20 Meeting the Technology Challenge In response to Sputnik in 1957 Eisenhower signed National Defense Education Act of 1958 to improve science and math education and to meet scientific and technology challenge for Soviets Low cost loans to college students; reduction in payments if became teachers granted millions to state schools to build science and foreign language facilities.