Truman & Eisenhower Chapter 23 Section 1

Return to a Peacetime Economy American feared that a return to a peacetime economy would have a negative impact. - Millions of Soldiers returning from War. - Unemployment - End of military production

Return to a Peacetime Economy This Was not the case. - G.I. Bill gave returning soldiers $$$ to establish business’, go to college, or buy a house. This money boosted the economy due to increased consumer spending. * As cost of living rose , many workers went on strike for higher wages, many would get it.

Truman’s Programs Truman looked to expand on FDR’s New deal. -expansion of Social Security - Raising the Minimum wage - Public housing Truman also asked congress to pass a Civil Rights Act that would protect blacks right to vote, eliminate poll taxes, and make Lynching a federal crime. - the Majority of this civil rights legislation would not be approved by congree

Election of 1948 Division amongst Democrats (over Civil rights legislation) made it seem as though Truman would lose the election. Truman gained momentum by attacking congress (which had a republican majority) by calling them a Do- Nothing congress. Congress had actually been very active. It passed the Marshall Plan, created the CIA and passed the national security Act. -Since most Americans were not effected directly by congesss’ actions’, Truman’s Allegations stuck.

Truman Wins Election of 1948; Dems take control of Congress

Fair Deal A continuation of FDR’s New Deal. Focused on social issues to help the country. - Minimum wage was raised to .75/hr - Increased Social security benefits - National housing Act provided low-income housing. * Not all New deal legislation was passed, some examples include civil rights legislation. Federal aid for schools and Subsidies for Farmers.

The Eisenhower Years Due to Korean war Truman’s popularity declined so much that he would not seek reelection. Republicans nominated WW@ hero Dwight Eisenhower, who would become the U.S.’s 34th President. Dynamic Conservatism referred to balancing economic conservatism with activism in areas that would help the country. -Eisenhower felt Government was misspending too much $$$ and cut many new deal programs -Slashed aid to public housing -Vetoed school construction bill -Cut aid to business’

Eisenhower Years Federal highway Act is the largest public works program in American history. Congress approves $25 Billion for the project which would construct more than 40,000 miles of interstate highway. Eisenhower also pushed for an act that would allow for the great Lakes to connect to the Atlantic Ocean. Eisenhower would also extend some Social security benefits, raised minimum wage, and extended unemployment benefits.