Fair Deal

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Part of the Politics series on
Progressivism
Schools
American Progressivism Modern liberalism Progressive education
Ideas
Democracy Freedom Positive liberty Women's suffrage Economic progressivism Economic interventionism Fair trade Mixed economy Social justice Labor rights Civil liberties Feminism Women's rights Social welfare Social progressivism Ethical conservation Efficiency Movement Techno-progressivism
Programs
Square Deal New Nationalism The New Freedom New Deal Second Bill of Rights Fair Deal New Frontier Great Society
Politics Portal v • d • e

In September of 1945, United States President Harry Truman addressed Congress and presented a 21 point program of domestic legislation outlining a series of proposed actions in the fields of economic development and social warfare.^[1] The proposals to congress became more and more abundant and by 1948 a legislative program that was more comprehensive came to be known as the Fair Deal.^[2] In his 1949 State of the Union Address to Congress on January 5, 1949. Truman stated that "Every segment of our population, and every individual, has a right to expect from his government a fair deal." Despite a mixed record of legislative success, the Fair Deal remains significant in establishing the call for universal health care as a rallying cry for the Democratic Party. Lyndon Johnson credited Truman's unfulfilled program as influencing Great Society measures such as Medicare that Johnson successfully enacted during the 1960s. ^[3] The Fair Deal faced much opposition from the many conservative politicians who wanted a reduced role of the federal government. The series of domestic reforms was a major push to transform the United States from a wartime economy to a peacetime economy.^[4] In a context of postwar reconstruction and entering the era of the Cold war, the Fair Deal sought to preserve and extend the liberal tradition of President Roosevelt’s New Deal.^[5]During this post-WWII time people were growing more conservative as they were ready to enjoy the prosperity not seen since before The Great Depression. ^[6] The Fair Deal faced opposition by Republicans and conservative Democrats. However, despite strong conservative opposition there were elements of Truman’s agenda that did win congressional approval.^[7]

Contents 1 Civil Rights Movement 2 The Housing Act of 1949 3 The Social Security Act of 1950 4 See also 5 References

[edit] Civil Rights Movement

As Senator, Truman had not supported the nascent Civil Rights Movement. As President he did put forward many civil rights programs but most were met with a lot of resistance by conservative southern Democrats. Most proposals were ultimately blocked.^[8] However, he was successful in integrating the armed forces, denied government contracts to firms with racially discriminatory practises and named African Americans to federal posts.^[9] In a 1947 speech to the NAACP, which marked the first time a sitting President had ever addressed the group, Truman said "Every man should have the right to a decent home, the right to an education, the right to adequate medical care, the right to a worthwhile job, the right to an equal share in the making of public decisions through the ballot, and the right to a fair trial in a fair court."^[10]

[edit] The Housing Act of 1949

The Housing Act of 1949 was a major legislative accomplishment stemming from the Fair Deal. This led to the allocation of federal funds to go towards new housing projects, urban renewal, and more public housing. This spawned the growth of urban regions in the post-war United States. Much of the mass urban development that took place during this time can still be seen today. The Housing Act of 1949 has had a lasting impact on the United States.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] The Social Security Act of 1950

The Social Security Act of 1950 extended the coverage of social security to elderly Americans and raised the minimum wage. These benefits appealed to both the middle-class and working-class Americans.^[11]

[edit] See also

• New Deal
• Housing Act of 1949

[edit] References

• Hamby, Alonzo L. Man of the People: A Life of Harry S Truman (1995)

1. ^ Hamby, Alonzo L. Harry S. Truman and the Fair Deal, page vii. D.C Heath and company, Lexington, Mass. 1974
2. ^ Hamby, Alonzo L. Harry S. Truman and the Fair Deal, page 15. D.C Heath and company, Lexington, Mass. 1974
3. ^ Hamby 1995
4. ^ “The Fair Deal.” United States History. 30 Mar. 2008 <http://countrystudies.us/united-states/history-115.htm>.
5. ^ Hamby, Alonzo L. Harry S. Truman and the Fair Deal, page vii. D.C Heath and company, Lexington, Mass. 1974
6. ^ De Luna, Phyllis Komarek. Public Versus Private Power During the Truman Administration : a Study of Fair Deal Liberalism. New York: Peter Lang, 1997. 35-36.
7. ^ Boyer, Paul S. Promises to Keep: The United States since World war II, page 78. Second ed. Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1999
8. ^ Boyer, Paul S. Promises to Keep: The United States since World war II, page 78. Second ed. Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1999
9. ^ Boyer, Paul S. Promises to Keep: The United States since World war II, page 78. Second ed. Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1999
10. ^ President Truman (1947). "President Truman's Address to the NAACP, June 28, 1947". National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.. 
11. ^ Boyer, Paul S. Promises to Keep: The United States since World war II, page 79. Second ed. Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1999