Domestic Policy Flashcards
(35 cards)
What was Truman’s economic policy called?
The fair deal
When was the fair deal announced?
January 1949 in Truman’s state of the union address
Name two key aims of the fair deal
National health, increased minimum wage
What act did Truman veto but congress passed anyway, restricting union power?
Taft-Hartley act 1947
What was the gi bill?
A 1944 law providing education, housing, and employment aid to wwii veterans
How many veterans attended college due to the gi bill?
7.8 million by 1956
What economic issue followed wwii?
Inflation and labour unrest
What was inflation in 1946
18%
How did Truman respond to the 1946 strikes
Threatened to draft striking workers into the army
Minimum wages increase under Truman (1949)
From 0.4 to 0.75
Hosing act aim (1949)
Building 810k federally subsidised housing units
How did Truman attempt to support education
Proposed federal aid (rejected by congress)
Success of Truman domestic policy
Expansion of social security (10m more people)
Major failure of the fair deal?
National heath insurance was blocked by congress
Political challenges domestically
Republican congress in charge 1946-48
Truman approval rating after 1946
32%
Which party split from democrats in 1948
Dixiecrats
Who was the progressive party in 1948
Left wing breakaway, supported by Henry Wallace
What newspaper wrongly predicted Truman’s loss in 1946
Chicago tribune
What was Truman’s relationship with congress like?
Often confrontational- many fair deal reforms blocked
What did Truman do with the steel industry in 1952
Tried to seize it to prevent strikes- ruled unconstitutional
What did Supreme Court rule in 1952
President cannot seize private property without congressional authority
Truman’s 1948 campaign strategy
Whistle stop train across the us
Why was the 1948 election surprising
Truman won despite low popularity and party division
