A Snapshot of the US Presidency from 1945-89: Truman and Eisenhower (Leaving Cert History): Revision Notes

A Snapshot of the US Presidency from 1945-89: Truman and Eisenhower

As a part of studying the US and Wider World Unit, it is crucial that you understand the various contributions that presidents made to their nation, both in terms of domestic and foreign policy. The presidents most commonly asked on are Harry Truman and Lyndon B Johnson, but it is important to note each president's contributions in this period.

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Presidents from the period 1945-89

Harry S. Truman (1945-1953) - Democratic Party

Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953-1961) - Republican Party

John F. Kennedy (1961-1963) - Democratic Party

Lyndon B. Johnson (1963-1969) - Democratic Party

Richard Nixon (1969-1974) - Republican Party

Gerald Ford (1974-1977) - Republican Party

Jimmy Carter (1977-1981) - Democratic Party

Ronald Reagan (1981-1989) - Republican Party

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Foreign Policy and Domestic Policy

• Foreign policy is a country's strategy and actions in dealing with other nations. It includes decisions about diplomacy, trade, military actions, and international relations to protect and promote the country's interests globally.
• Domestic policy refers to a country's strategy and actions to address issues within its own borders. This includes decisions about the economy, healthcare, education, civil rights, and other matters that affect the daily lives of its citizens.

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A Snapshot of Harry Truman's Foreign and Domestic Contribution

Foreign Contributions

1. Truman made the tough decision to drop atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. This led to Japan's surrender and the end of World War II, but it also caused massive destruction and loss of life. The use of these bombs remains a controversial decision.
2. After the war, Europe was in ruins. Truman supported the Marshall Plan, which gave over $12 billion (about $130 billion today) to help rebuild European economies. This aid helped prevent the spread of communism by promoting economic recovery and stability.
3. In 1947, Truman introduced the Truman Doctrine, promising to support countries resisting communism. This policy aimed to contain the spread of Soviet influence and led to U.S. support for Greece and Turkey.

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Note: Truman Doctrine gave birth to the idea of Containment, or the containing of Communism so that it would not spread into other countries. It is widely discussed by historians as being on one hand, a show of strong foreign policy, and on the other hand, a show of fear towards the USSR and their potential for expansion.

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4. In 1949, Truman helped establish the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), a military alliance between the U.S., Canada, and several European countries. NATO's goal was to defend against potential Soviet attacks.
5. He was also president for a large part of the Korean war, and was criticised towards the end of his presidency for involvement within it, with many suggesting that he was too lenient. However, he did fire Douglas McArthur for his desire to invade or 'nuke' China for their involvement in the war.

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Domestic Contributions

1. Truman introduced the Fair Deal, a set of proposals aimed at improving American lives. This included expanding Social Security, increasing the minimum wage, and promoting fair housing practices. While not all parts of the Fair Deal were passed by Congress, it set the stage for future reforms.

2. The Fair Deal wanted a couple of main things:

3. A higher minimum wage for workers

4. A new range of public works programmes to improve industry and employment.

5. Higher social security payments

6. Government-provided healthcare and education.

7. Truman took significant steps towards civil rights. In 1948, he issued an executive order to desegregate the armed forces, ensuring that black and white soldiers served together. He also established the President's Committee on Civil Rights to investigate racial discrimination and recommend changes.

8. Post-war America saw many labour strikes as workers demanded better pay and conditions. Truman sometimes took strong action to resolve these strikes. In 1946, he even threatened to draught striking railroad workers into the army to keep the trains running.

9. After World War II, the U.S. economy had to transition from wartime production to peacetime. Truman managed this shift, avoiding a major recession and helping the economy grow.

10. Truman continued support for the GI Bill, which provided benefits for World War II veterans, including low-cost mortgages, low-interest loans, and funding for education. This helped millions of veterans reintegrate into civilian life and boosted the post-war economy (links with point above).

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A Snapshot of Eisenhower's Foreign and Domestic Contributions

Dwight D. Eisenhower was the 34th President of the United States, serving from 1953 to 1961. Known as a steady and pragmatic leader, Eisenhower made significant contributions both abroad and at home. Here's a brief look at his key foreign and domestic achievements:

Foreign Contributions

1. Eisenhower worked to end the Korean War, which had started in 1950. He visited Korea and pushed for peace talks, leading to an armistice in 1953 that ended active fighting.
2. In 1957, he announced the Eisenhower Doctrine, pledging U.S. support to any Middle Eastern country resisting communism. This was aimed at containing Soviet influence in the region.
3. Although primarily a domestic achievement, the development of the Interstate Highway System also had significant defence implications, facilitating the movement of military troops and equipment across the country.

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Domestic Contributions

1. Eisenhower launched the creation of the Interstate Highway System in 1956. This vast network of highways improved national transportation, boosted the economy, and supported national defence.
2. While Eisenhower was cautious about civil rights, he did take action. In 1957, he signed the Civil Rights Act, the first since Reconstruction, to protect voting rights. He also sent federal troops to Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957 to enforce school desegregation.
3. Eisenhower maintained a balanced budget and promoted fiscal responsibility. His administration saw steady economic growth and low inflation.

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