Liberilism Vs Conservatism Essay Research Paper When

Liberilism Vs. Conservatism Essay, Research Paper

When one thinks of liberals and conservatives it tends to be a comparison of entirely different views concerning every issue. Conservative thinking is regularly associated with the Republican Party while liberal thinking is regularly associated with the Democratic Party. Two such figures that come to mind whose views tend to put them on opposite sides of the political spectrum are presidents Herbert C. Hoover and Harry S. Truman. For example, Hoover?s failure to intervene in the private sector of the economy during the infant stages of the Great Depression agrees with the conservative idea of a free market economy. In contrast, Truman continued Roosevelt?s liberally supported reform measures.

One important factor that influences a political figure?s decision making is his/her morals and beliefs. Conservatives usually have great influence from traditional institutions such as church. As a child, Hoover was raised in a rural Quaker community with a strict belief in the church and the traditional family. This led to his conservative beliefs and actions. During his presidency, Hoover promised to uphold the prohibition amendment, since drinking was seen as an evil in the Quakers (Encarta). Furthermore, he promised to enforce national laws. This went about with the conservative that that authority is needed to make man resistant to evil. Hoover became a millionaire by the time he was forty with great effort. His conservatism and respect for authority earned him that position. On the other hand, liberalism preached that belief that man has a natural ability to reason out right and wrong. Truman did not introduce any major crime legislation, nor did he believe that much authority was needed for man to reason out right and wrong (Bernstein 93).

Concerning the views on the nature of man, Truman and Hoover developed their views in their early years. Truman being a farmer at heart never let go the hardships of farm life. He was a self-taught man, he would read many novels, and American history books in his spare time instead of the usual childhood activities. He believed that man is basically good, and not being a wealthy man himself, he believed that wealth makes man corrupt. Hoover had a typical country childhood, and his Quaker beliefs taught him that man is basically evil (Smith 146). He believed greatly in the church to teach him what to strive for in life and what is right and wrong. These childhoods influenced Hoover and Truman in their conservative and liberal beliefs.

Liberals encourage social change such as civil rights. Truman was a great advocate of civil rights. Truman, as a senator, signed an unsuccessful petition to end a filibuster on an anti-poll tax measure, and agreed to investigations of racial discrimination on war contracts and in the armed services (Encarta). Civil rights leaders saw Truman?s Fair Deal legislation useful to African-Americans, it included a full employment act, increased unemployment compensation, and a higher minimum wage. In 1948, Truman asked Congress to enact laws prohibiting Jim Crow laws, and he instructed the Secretary of Defense to end discrimination in the armed services. These and many other measures Truman took to enforce his belief in a rapid social change. Walter White said in 1952 ?No occupant of the White House since the nation was born has taken so frontal or constant a stand against racial discrimination as has Harry S. Truman.? His legacy paved way for the civil rights movements in later years. Hoover, being a conservative, believed in slow very moderate social change built around past traditional values and beliefs. Hoover did not ask congress to pass any new laws, nor did he take any measures concerning social change in the form of welfare and civil rights (Smith). His beliefs stood in the way of making any social change for the betterment of society.

Liberalism in the 20th century has been very active against inequality. The Truman administration started the battle continuing to later generations. Truman, being a southern man, saw the racial discrimination in the South and saw a need for social change. Truman felt that African-Americans wanted to end inequality, but not segregation. As stated above, Truman took many measures to ensure equality for the African-Americans. He also took measures to create the Fair Employment Practices Commission (FEPC). This would create equal opportunity in the workplace for everyone. Truman went by the liberal thought that equal opportunity should be guaranteed by law; therefore, he strived to create the most equal society possible at that time (Bernstein 78). Hoover, on the other hand, never took any measures to ensure equality. He was a self-made millionaire and believed that rights are earned, not given. Even during the Great Depression he believed that only loans should be given out, he didn?t believe in ?pork barrel? bills, which would give out money to people in need without people paying money back (Encarta).

In regards to the views on the concept of democracy, Truman and Hoover were opposites themselves. Hoover was a well-educated engineer and a self-made millionaire. He agreed with the conservative belief that strong leaders and a strong central government are necessary. He believed only a few select individuals should rule the country. Hoover believed that government should be involved to keep orde