1. Truman and Eisenhower 16-1

2. Return to Peacetime Economy
The economy continued to grow after WWII
The GI Bill- provided generous funds to vets
Helped them pay for college, start families, start businesses, buy homes, etc.
Labor friendly period of time
Truman sided with unions and helped them earn better wages to keep things moving in the right direction

3. Truman’s Legislative Agenda
Expanded social security (gave it to more people)
Raised minimum wage from 40 cents to 75 cents!!
Public Housing

4. Election of 1948 Truman running for second term
First full term of his own
The “Do-Nothing Congress”
Attacks the majority Republican congress claiming they haven’t done anything for the people
Gains support from African Americans and Labor Unions
His policies become known as “The Fair Deal”

5. The Eisenhower Years
Declares himself as “middle of the road” in terms of his political stance
Dynamic Conservatism- balancing economic conservatism with activism in areas that would benefit the country
Business growth was extremely important
Cut government spending in some of FDR’s old Depression programs such as the TVA
Federal Highway Act- largest public works project in American history
$25 billion for 10 years- 40,000 miles of interstates

6. Extending Social Security
Despite his conservative views, he extended social security and unemployment
He also continued to aid farmers
During his tenure, the U.S. returned to a successful peacetime economy

7. Please Do Now
Pg. 571 (1-4)
Compare and Contrast Truman’s Program and the Eisenhower years. In 2-3 paragraphs explain which president you think had a great impact on the nation during the post war era