1. Truman, Eisenhower, and Post-war America
Unit 6 Section 8
Truman, Eisenhower, and Post-war America
TYWL: Global interaction may be caused by conflict. / Forces of imperialism, nationalism, militarism and geo-political alliances, taken to the extreme, can lead to international conflicts. / Nationalism and the quest for power are often underlying causes for war. / Conflict occurs when compromise over land, national identity and colonial possessions is no longer an option between those in authority and those they serve.

2. Question of the Day
What U.S. action influenced the Japanese decision to attack the United States in 1941?
The U.S. banned the sale of iron, steel, and oil to Japan
The U.S. occupied the important island of Midway.
The U.S. demanded that Japanese forces leave Manchuria.
The U.S. condemned German aggression in Europe.

3. Readjustment and Recovery
Following WW2, millions of troops return home
GI Bill passed to help soldiers adjust
Tuition help
Low interest loans
Housing shortage
Emergence of Suburbs
Levittown

4. Economic Problems and Solutions
Within 10 days of war’s ends, millions of defense workers lose jobs
Many predict another depression
Underestimate consumers desire for goods
Marshall Plan creates strong market for US exports
People desire homes, cars, appliances
“Affluent Society”

5. “The Buck Stops Here”
Truman was not afraid to make difficult decisions
Strikes threaten to halt economy, threatens government intervention
Republicans in Congress go further – pass Taft-Hartley Bill that rolls back union rights given in New Deal

6. Truman and Civil Rights
Truman put Presidency on the line for Civil Rights
Issues executive order to integrate the armed forces
Fights for Federal Anti-lynching law, other Civil Rights legislation
Fails, but angers Southern Democrats

7. Election of 1948 Harry S Truman – Democrat Thomas Dewey – Republican
Strom Thurmond – Dixiecrat
Truman seen as underdog
Calls out Congress for failing to do anything, wins in major upset

8. The Fair Deal
After winning, Truman proposes extension of some New Deal programs – “Fair Deal”
Nationwide healthcare, arm subsidies proposed but failed
Minimum wage, social security extension, and housing reform pass
Domestic Legacy:
Desegregation of military
Tried to extend New Deal, some programs become reality in 1960’s

9. Eisenhower Elected
1952 – Korean War hurts Truman’s popularity – decides not to run
Dwight D. Eisenhower, Republican, War Hero elected - “I Like Ike”
Richard Nixon is VP – saves place on ticket with “Checkers speech”
Middle of the Road Policy – Between laissez faire and New Deal programs
Very popular – serves two terms

11. Eisenhower at Home
Hand’s off domestic policy; focused mostly on foreign affairs
Nation prosperous under Ike’s two terms
Growth of conglomerates and franchising
Growth of Consumerism – credit cards

12. Social Conformity and the 50’s
1950’s, American Consumerism reaches new heights
“Good Life” defined in economic terms
Less class differences
The search for communists at home, a national consumer culture, giant corporations, even the suburbs and television seemed to encourage homogeneity
Planned Obsolescence of goods