Domestic Policies of the Early Cold War
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The Truman Presidency
Lesson Plans by Richard Cleggett
In one of the most pivotal moments in history, Vice President Harry S. Truman was sworn in as president following the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945. President Truman faced a daunting legacy, following in the footsteps of one of America’s most beloved leaders. Learn more with Storyboard That activities!
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Storyboard Description
Truman Domestic Policies - HUAC & McCarran-Walter Act
Storyboard Text
- ACTIONS/CAUSES
- THE LOYALTY PROGRAM
- FORMATION OF HUAC
- THE MCCARRAN-WALTER ACT
- We cannot risk a communist threat!
- Under Truman, people feared the threat of Soviet spies and infiltration. Truman helped lead the Loyalty Program, where potential government employees were investigated and checked for Soviet ties. If dishonesty was detected, they were brought before the Loyalty Review Board.
- Congress formed the House of Un-American Activities Committee. This committee allowed Congress to investigate anyone, especially filmmakers, on their history with identifying as communists. The committee aimed to prevent communist ideas being promoted in the arts.
- We must weed out the communist threat!
- The McCarran-Walter Act, by U.S. Senator Pat McCarran, proposed to reaffirm quota systems for immigrants from nations formed before 1924. It discriminated against immigration, particularly from Asia and Southern/Central Europe.
- This act in un-American and un-ethical!
- EFFECTS
- Under the Loyalty Program, several million employees were investigated. Only a few hundred were actually removed. It did add a heightened climate of suspicion however, and further added to Truman's ideas of containing communist and socialist ideas.
- WHO STANDS AS A LOYAL AMERICAN?
- Although formed in 1938, HUAC took on a bigger meaning in post WWII. Although many famous people fought against communist accusations, many also protested HUAC itself, saying it set a dangerous precedent. Still, it helped play into many the fear of communist infiltration.
- The McCarran-Walter Act was vetoed by President Truman. In fact, Truman noted it as "one of the most un-American acts I have ever witnessed". Still, Truman's veto was overridden by Congress, and the Act was passed.
Image Attributions
- Paramount Pictures 100 years - Prayitno / Thank you for (9 millions +) views - (License Attribution )
- Truman Receives Rocket Models - NASA on The Commons - (License No known copyright restrictions )
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