Challenges in the Presidency
Transitioning into the Presidency:
When Truman was sworn into office on April 12th, 1945, the public was already skeptical of his ability to perform the job. His transition from vice president to president after Franklin D. Roosevelt's death was a challenge as attitudes towards his became more and more negative. From the onset it was difficult for Truman to gain support for his proposals and plans for improvement when a large portion of the nation doubted his capability. This discredited a man who had so much to contribute to the country, and made it all the more difficult for him to implement the improvements all presidents strive to make.
When Truman was sworn into office on April 12th, 1945, the public was already skeptical of his ability to perform the job. His transition from vice president to president after Franklin D. Roosevelt's death was a challenge as attitudes towards his became more and more negative. From the onset it was difficult for Truman to gain support for his proposals and plans for improvement when a large portion of the nation doubted his capability. This discredited a man who had so much to contribute to the country, and made it all the more difficult for him to implement the improvements all presidents strive to make.
Opposition in Congress:
After the 1946 midterm election, Truman continuously struggled to implement change as he attempted to work with a predominantly Republican Congress. Every proposal was a battle with the conservative Republicans in Congress, and many of his welfare and civil rights proposals were turned down. The situation was even more difficult because the Democratic Party was divided between northern progressives and southern conservatives. Maintaining support and getting new projects under way proved to be very challenging due to opposition in Congress. Even though the situation was difficult, Truman was still able to implement domestic improvements during his time as president
After the 1946 midterm election, Truman continuously struggled to implement change as he attempted to work with a predominantly Republican Congress. Every proposal was a battle with the conservative Republicans in Congress, and many of his welfare and civil rights proposals were turned down. The situation was even more difficult because the Democratic Party was divided between northern progressives and southern conservatives. Maintaining support and getting new projects under way proved to be very challenging due to opposition in Congress. Even though the situation was difficult, Truman was still able to implement domestic improvements during his time as president