HIS271Y1 Lecture : 21 - Towards the Great Society.doc
Document Summary
Truman attempts to expand the liberal state; fails. Truman"s vision of foreign policy diverged from fdr"s but very much hoped to follow in his footsteps in regards to domestic policies. Congress only approved one of his points; that of the pursuit of full employment. This rejection results in a backlash of the reforming spirit of the new deal. Those opposed to it saw it as un-american, socialist, placed too much power in the hands of the federal government, too expensive. In some elements the new deal were rolled back; taxes for the wealthy reduced; organized labor receives a blow (taft-hartley act) The black vote keeps the democrats in office. His platform included a program calling for the abolition of the poll tax, anti federal. Sd"s objected everything truman stood for in respect for black rights. Establishment of the dixiecrats; strom thurmond presidential candidate. Congress refused to adhere to its demands.