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Events of 1948

  • Civil Rights Legislation

    Civil Rights Legislation
    Truman sends a message to congress asking them to pass legislation to secure the rights of the nation's minorities.
  • Marshall Plan

    Marshall Plan
    Congress passes the European Recovery Program.
  • Israel

    Israel
    The United States recognizes the state of Israel.
  • Soviet Union

    Soviet Union
    The Soviet Union blockades the overland access routes to West Berlin. On June 24, 1948, the Soviet Union halted all transportation by road and rail into the areas of Berlin controlled by the United States, Britain, and France. The American and British forces immediately initiated an airlift of supplies to relieve the western-controlled portions of the city. After 321 days and 272,000 flights, the airlift succeeded when the Soviets reopened the borders on March 12, 1949.
  • Dewey Enters the Race

    Dewey Enters the Race
    Governor Thomas Dewey of New York accepts the Republican Party nomination for President.
  • Airlift Begins

    Airlift Begins
    In conjunction with the British, Truman orders the airlifting of supplies into West Berlin.
  • Truman Runs for Another Term

    Truman Runs for Another Term
    Truman accepts the Democratic Party nomination for President and calls for a special session of Congress.
  • Desegregation, Housing, and Price Controls

    Desegregation, Housing, and Price Controls
    At the opening of a special session of the 80th Congress, Truman asks for legislation on housing, civil rights, & price controls. The same day, the President signs Executive Order 9981, which desegregates the Armed Forces. There was good political reason for him to desegregate the armed forces: he needed black votes to win in November. There were political risks involved in his support of civil rights. His actions were minor in light of the broad-based oppression suffered by African Americans.
  • Truman Campaigns

    Truman Campaigns
    Truman campaigns for the presidency throughout the nation (except for the South) and attacks the record of the “do nothing” Republican-controlled Congress. September 06, 1948 - October 30, 1948
  • Truman Wins Election

    Truman Wins Election
    Truman is elected President. The Democratic Party retakes both the Senate and the House of Representatives.