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.

Democracy	Communism

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