Truman and Eisenhower16-1

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

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

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”

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

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

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