The question: The 1952 Republican Party platform called for a radical change in domestic and foreign policies including an end to New Deal programs, and the replacement of Truman's containment policy with the policy of liberating captive peoples. Did the Eisenhower presidency result in a radical change in U. S. foreign and domestic policies? Basing your answer on James Patterson's Grand Expectations, supplemented by the Lecture Notes, please begin by 1) briefly describing the Truman administration's main domestic and foreign policies (for example, explain the policy of containment as well as other matters), and then 2) discuss Eisenhower's main domestic and foreign policies indicating in each case whether there was a radical change or mainly a continuation of Truman's policies. In your final paragraph sum up your conclusion as to whether the Eisenhower administration's policies were radically different from Truman's or whether there was mainly continuity.

How would you like us to help you with this assignment?

Jessica, if you want to see a real dynamic change in American foreign policy from the Democrats, you will have to go to the Reagan Presidency...a quantum leap difference!

Harry S Truman (1945-1953)

Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953-1961)

John F. Kennedy (1961-1963)

Lyndon B. Johnson (1963-1969)

To answer the question regarding whether the Eisenhower presidency resulted in a radical change in U.S. foreign and domestic policies, we need to first understand the main policies implemented by the Truman administration and then compare them to Eisenhower's policies. The information from James Patterson's "Grand Expectations" and the lecture notes can assist in providing a comprehensive analysis.

1) Truman Administration's Domestic and Foreign Policies:
- Domestic Policy: The Truman administration's domestic policy was characterized by the continuation of key elements of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs. These programs aimed to address the economic and social challenges faced by Americans during and after World War II. Truman upheld policies focused on expanding social welfare, supporting labor rights, and promoting economic stability through government intervention.
- Foreign Policy: The Truman administration is mostly associated with the development and implementation of the policy of containment. This strategy aimed to prevent the further spread of communism, particularly in Europe and Asia, and it formed the basis of the U.S. response to the Soviet Union during the Cold War era. Containment led to various actions such as the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, and the establishment of military alliances such as NATO.

2) Eisenhower Administration's Domestic and Foreign Policies:
- Domestic Policy: Eisenhower's presidency marked a shift away from the interventionist approach of the New Deal. His administration promoted a more conservative approach, emphasizing limited government involvement in economic affairs. Eisenhower sought to balance the budget, reduce taxes, and minimize the role of the federal government in domestic affairs. However, it is worth noting that Eisenhower did not outrightly dismantle the New Deal programs but rather sought to streamline and improve their efficiency.
- Foreign Policy: Eisenhower's foreign policy also differed from Truman's in some regards. While he continued to support containment, Eisenhower introduced a policy known as the "New Look." This policy focused on building a strong nuclear arsenal as a deterrent to Soviet aggression. Eisenhower emphasized the importance of military strength and the threat of retaliation rather than direct military intervention. Additionally, he pursued a policy of "liberation" in support of peoples under Soviet control, aligning with the Republican Party platform of 1952.

In conclusion, while the Eisenhower administration did introduce changes in both domestic and foreign policies, it cannot be characterized as a radical departure from Truman's policies. On the domestic front, Eisenhower pursued a more conservative approach, but he did not dismantle the New Deal programs entirely. Regarding foreign policy, Eisenhower continued to implement containment but added his own emphasis on military strength. The policy of "liberation" aligned with the Republican Party platform but can be seen as a modification rather than a complete break from Truman's policies. Overall, the Eisenhower administration represents a mix of continuity and moderate changes in comparison to Truman's policies.