1. How does Truman run the country after WWII?
Post War America
How does Truman run the country after WWII?

2. Truman Avoids Depression
As war ends $35 mil in defense contracts cancelled & one million workers laid off – Truman’s plan:
1) Encouraged people to spend saved money, 2) Reduction in tariff rate (GATT) 3) Housing boom
Result: economy grows w/ millions of new jobs
Strikes Plague Recovery
Postwar strikes causing shortages of goods, Truman tries to limit strikes (natl interests)
Shortages allow Republicans to win back Congress, they pass Taft-Hartley Act limiting union’s powers

3. Truman wants to end race discrimination
Truman & Civil Rights
Truman wants to end race discrimination
1)Anti-lynching laws, 2)ban on the poll tax & 3)civil rights commission
Congress votes all three down
In response, Truman uses Executive Order to integrate the armed forces
Baseball integrates, Brooklyn Dodgers sign Jackie Robinson, other teams follow
Discuss: Why was Jackie Robinson important to civil rights?

4. Truman faces two challengers in 1948:
1948 Election
Truman announces “Fair Deal” supporting healthcare, union rights, education, and higher min wage
Truman faces two challengers in 1948:
1) States Rights or “Dixiecrats” upset at Truman’s civil rights programs nominate Strom Thurmond
2) Republicans nominate Thomas Dewey
Truman wins in an upset