Truman Administration

Definition

The presidency of Harry S. Truman from 1945 to 1953, which was marked by efforts to contain communism abroad and promote social welfare at home.

Analogy

Imagine Truman's administration as a coach trying to train his team for two different sports simultaneously - one game on foreign soil against a formidable opponent (containment policy against communism), while also trying to improve fitness levels at home base (social welfare programs).

Related terms

Truman Doctrine: A policy set forth by President Harry S. Truman promising military aid to countries threatened by communism.

Marshall Plan: An American initiative passed in 1948 for foreign aid to Western Europe, aiming to rebuild war-torn regions, remove trade barriers, modernize industry, and make Europe prosperous again.

Fair Deal: An ambitious set of proposals put forward by U.S. President Harry S. Truman to Congress in his January 1949 State of the Union address, aiming to improve social safety nets and raise the standard of living.