1.
Humanitarian is an adjective often used to describe President
Truman. As you listen to or read his Inaugural Address, find evidence
to support the claim that Truman was concerned about the welfare of
people.
2.
The President spoke of "the supreme need of our time." What
was he referring to? Is this a this a need that people still have today?
3.
Truman described the ideals upon which our country had been built. What
were these ideals?
4.
Although, he does not mention any country by name, most people knew
exactly who he was referring to when he spoke about communism. What
country was he speaking of?
5.
President Truman noted the fundamental differences between democracy
and communism.
Fill in the chart with four of those differences.
6.
Truman states that the United States has not tried to gain any territory
or "impose our will" on others. Would you agree with this
statement today? Why or why not?
7.
In speaking of international affairs, the President mentioned the following
issues of concern:
U. S. support
of the United Nations 
peaceful resolution of disputes
arms limitations and controls
economic aid to foreign countries
Check the box if
the issue(s) are still concerns for the president today.
8.
President Truman did not just talk in general terms about the quest
for world peace. In his Inaugural Address, he outlined what became known
as the Point Four Plan. List his four "courses of action"
to achieve international peace.
9.
The most surprising announcement of the Inaugural Address, was Truman's
expressed belief the United States should, by means of our advanced
scientific and technological "techniques," help less developed
nations improve the living conditions of their people. Can you cite
examples of when the U. S., either through agencies of the United Nations
or acting alone, aided less fortunate countries? What types of help
have we given?
10.
Truman made reference to "old imperialism" having "no
place" in U. S. foreign policy. What did he mean by the term "old
imperialism?" Can you site an example of a time in our country's
history when imperialism was part of our foreign policy?
11.The
President spoke of the "benefits of democracy". List five
benefits of living in a democratic country (your opinion). Write a persuasive
sentence to support your list.
12.What
does this speech tell you about life in the United States in 1949? Are
there any striking similarities and/or differences that are apparent
from your life in the U. S. today?
13.Write
a question that was left unanswered by this speech.
14.What
audience was this speech intended to reach?
15.List
three things President Truman spoke about that you think were important.
Questions
for further research or discussion:
1.
Many people were astonished that it was Harry S. Truman who was giving
the 1949
Inaugural Address. His victory in the 1948 presidential election is
considered to the political
upset of the 20th century.
a. Who was the
predicted winner of the 1948 campaign?
b. What was Truman's campaign strategy?
c. Why did so many think Truman would lose?
d. What were the election results?
For help, visit the Special Features section of the Truman Presidential
Museum & Library
home page, and click on 1948 Election. www.trumanlibrary.org
2.
What was historic about Truman's 1949 Inaugural Address?
3.
Historians would agree with Truman's prediction that his administration
could signal "eventful, perhaps decisive" happenings for America
and the world. Make a list of the issues and decisions, foreign and
domestic, that confronted President Truman. Hint: see the virtual tour
of the Presidential Years Exhibit at: www.trumanlibrary.org
