Harry S. Truman vs. James K. Polk

Harry S. Truman
Foreign Policy:
One action President Truman made regarding foreign policy was the Truman Doctrine. On March 12, 1947, this proclamation was taken into effect. The Truman Doctrine explained how the United States of America would economically and militarily support Turkey and Greece. Fearing the the strength of the Soviet Union, Truman created this doctrine in hopes of keeping these countries from falling under the influence of the Soviets. During this time in history, all of Eastern Europe was in shambles and Truman did not want any more power going to the USSR. In addition, Truman wanted to "free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures." Supporting these two countries was merely the groundwork in the fight against communism. To do this, America sent advisers to Greece and Turkey, along with any other country who was threatened by communism.
Truman showed his strength in foreign policy matters not only through his hate for communism, but from his actions in World War 2. After being sworn in as President of the United States of America in 1945, Harry S. Truman led the Allied forces to victory over Germany and eventually Japan as well. However, in order to achieve victory of the Japanese forces, Truman had to make a difficult decision; whether to use the atomic bomb or not. Our president had to make a bold decision, weighing the importance of victory against the lives of innocent Japanese citizens. After much consideration, Truman approved the use of the atomic bomb. "Having found the bomb we have used it. We have used it against those who attacked us without warning at Pearl Harbor, against those who have starved and beaten and executed American prisoners of war, against those who have abandoned all pretense of obeying international laws of warfare." After the destruction of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Japanese immediately surrendered to the Allied forces and the U.S.A. emerged victorious. When the final days of WW2 concluded, America appeared to be the only true world superpower thanks to the decisive actions of Harry S. Truman.

Economics:
During his presidency, Harry S. Truman put forth the "Fair Deal" plan. "Give me a one-handed economist! All my economics say, 'on the other hand on the other.'" In a speech on January 5th, 1949, President Truman urged the idea of universal health care for all citizens. In addition, Truman wanted the amount paid for minimum wage to be raised along with equal rights for everyone. After the second world war, America was enjoying its time as the world's only superpower and became more conservative in turn. Not many people in the U.S.A. wanted any big change after struggling through a long and expensive war. So, Truman's proposal was not popular within Congress and his plan for health insurance for all Americans was shot down. However, Congress did raise the level of minimum wage. Nowadays, Truman's plan for health care probably would be embraced more, but, America was in a conservative stint and not many citizens were ready for anymore change.
Other than the "Fair Deal" plan, another action taken place under Truman regarding economics was the Fair Employment Practices Act. In 1946, Congress passed this act which banned an racial and religious discrimination when it came to hiring employees. For a very long time the government was keeping it's hands off when it came to the economy. However, President Truman's Democratic values upset many people when the government started getting more involved in the country's economic rules and standards.

References:
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/jb/modern/fairdeal_3
http://home.att.net/~howingtons/dem/truman.html
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/h/harry_s_truman.html
http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1670.html
http://www.cyberlearning-world.com/nhhs/html3/truman.htm


James K. Polk
Foreign Policy:
Polk, our country's 11th president, faced a huge foreign policy matter, Texas. At that time, Texas was an independent country but was showing signs of wanting annexation to the United States. "Peace, plenty, and contentment reign throughout our borders, and our beloved country presents a sublime moral spectacle to the world..." However, France and Britain wanted to keep Texas an independent nation because it would leave North America under divided powers. In addition, Mexico threatened to attack the independent Texas if they indeed sign a joint resolution. But, even with Britain, France and Mexico breathing down his neck, Polk still managed to annex a economically depleted Texas to the United States of America.
Another foreign policy matter that President Polk handled brilliantly was the territorial boundaries of Oregon and Northern California. The Democratic Platform of 1844 wanted the entire Oregon area, which extended from the north of California all the way to Alaskan boundaries. Extremists believed that America owned all of this area but Polk knew that the U.S.A. would only claim this entire territory if we went to war with England. "Foreign powers do not seem to appreciate the true character of our government." After much negotiation with the British minister, Polk resolved the debacle when England agreed to claim the 49th parallel. A treaty was signed in 1846.

Economics:
Although this matter leans a bit towards foreign policy, James K. Polk took economic action when it came to the acquisition of California and New Mexico. With relations with Mexico already being a bit uneasy, President Polk offered $20,000,000 along with any damage claims owed to Americans for the territory of California and New Mexico. However, Polk's offer was never received because the Mexican leader was not going to stay in power if he traded away half of his country. Polk attempted to pressure Mexico's decision by sending General Taylor and his troops to the Rio Grande region. In turn, Mexican troops viewed this as aggression and attacked Taylor. After this happened, Congress immediatly declared war and American forces eventually ended up controlling Mexico City. "Well may the boldest fear and the wisest tremble when incurring responsibilities on which may depend our country's peace and prosperity, and in some degree the hopes and hapiness of the whole human family." All in all, the dispute with Mexico ended up lowering the price for California and New Mexico to $15,000,000 instead. This matter may have dealt with foreign policy, but President Polk managed to buy these territories for a lower price; territories that were crucial to the develpment of the American economy.
Other than the acquisition of California and New Mexico, James K. Polk dealt with economic policy when it came to the approving new laws. In 1846, Congress approved the Walker Tariff during Polk's presidency. Under this law, ad valorem tariffs (tax based on the value of particular real-estate or personal property) were abandoned. In place, rates of the tax were created seperate from the value of the product. Also in 1846, Polk approved the restoration of the Independent Treasury system. This meant that government funds would be held in the Treasury instead of banks and other institutions.

References:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/jp11.html
http://home.att.net/~jrhsc/polk.html
http://www.presidentprofiles.com/Washington-Johnson/James-K-Polk-Foreign-policy.html
http://www.jameskpolk.com/new/