Part 5, Chapter 17

Truman’s focus in the final days of his presidency was on the Korean War and domestic economic conditions. Despite exiting politics, Truman displayed concern about his successor. He approached different candidates, such as Dwight Eisenhower. Eisenhower was immensely popular but previously rejected a presidential run. He declined Truman’s invitation only to have his Republican nomination announced soon after. Eventually, Truman convinced Adlai E. Stevenson II to run in the primaries, and Stevenson eventually became the Democratic nominee. However, Eisenhower easily defeated him. Other domestic issues that Truman had to resolve were firing tax collectors for corruption and dealing with the steel industry. Truman’s sympathies with the steelworkers who requested a pay raise were surpassed by his distrust of corporations. On April 9, 1952, Truman nationalized the steel mills, and the work continued. This decision caused a constitutional crisis, as the federal district judge ruled it illegal. The case went to the Supreme Court, which ruled it unconstitutional. The strike proceeded and became, McCullough says, “the longest, most costly steel strike in the nation’s history” (1028). On the positive side, Truman chose a project that was reasonable to complete before the end of his tenure: the renovation of the White House. After extensive construction, the historic building reopened to the public in April 1952, and, feeling proud of his accomplishment, the President held his own televised tour.

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