How did Henry Wallace alter Truman’s actions concerning African Americans?
The presidency of Harry S. Truman was marked by significant changes in the United States’ approach to civil rights, particularly concerning African Americans. One individual who played a pivotal role in shaping Truman’s policies was Henry A. Wallace, Truman’s Vice President from 1941 to 1945 and again from 1946 to 1947. This article explores how Wallace’s influence altered Truman’s actions concerning African Americans during his presidency.
Wallace, a progressive and a New Dealer, was deeply committed to civil rights and social justice. He believed that the government had a responsibility to ensure equality for all citizens, regardless of their race or ethnicity. When Truman appointed Wallace as his Vice President, he hoped to gain support from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party and to promote his New Deal agenda.
One of the most significant ways in which Wallace influenced Truman’s actions concerning African Americans was through his advocacy for the desegregation of the armed forces. In 1948, Wallace publicly endorsed the idea of integrating the military, a stance that was highly controversial at the time. His support for this issue put pressure on Truman to act.
Truman, initially hesitant to take a strong stance on civil rights, eventually succumbed to the pressure from Wallace and other civil rights advocates. In July 1948, Truman issued Executive Order 9981, which called for the desegregation of the armed forces. This was a groundbreaking move that set the stage for further civil rights reforms during Truman’s presidency.
Another area where Wallace influenced Truman’s actions was in the implementation of the Fair Employment Practices Commission (FEPC). Wallace, who served as the FEPC’s chair from 1946 to 1947, worked tirelessly to ensure that African Americans were hired and promoted in government jobs. His efforts led to the hiring of thousands of African Americans in federal, state, and local government positions.
Wallace also played a role in pushing Truman to support the Civil Rights Act of 1957, which aimed to protect the voting rights of African Americans. Although the bill was weak and largely ineffective, it was a significant step towards addressing the issue of racial discrimination in the United States.
In conclusion, Henry Wallace’s influence on Truman’s actions concerning African Americans was substantial. By advocating for the desegregation of the armed forces, pushing for the implementation of the FEPC, and supporting the Civil Rights Act of 1957, Wallace helped to shape Truman’s presidency in a way that advanced the cause of civil rights for African Americans. His efforts demonstrated the power of political pressure and the importance of progressive leadership in推动 social change.
