What If… Wallace not Truman Had Become US President in 1945?
Aug 15, 2024
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Historian Benn Steil dives into the compelling narrative of Henry Wallace, an ultraliberal who nearly became FDR's running mate in 1944. They discuss the chaotic Democratic National Convention and the political machinations that sidelined Wallace. What if he had succeeded instead of Truman? Steil reflects on how his presidency might have shifted U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War and nuclear arms race, sparking debate over whether Truman's win was a fortunate escape or a missed opportunity for progressive change.
Henry Wallace's unique combination of scientific expertise and mystical tendencies distinguished him from traditional politicians in American history.
The tumultuous dynamics during the 1944 Democratic Convention highlight the complex interplay between grassroots support and elite decision-making in party politics.
Wallace's foreign policy approach, emphasizing cooperation with the Soviet Union, contrasts sharply with Truman's stance and raises questions about potential historical ramifications.
Deep dives
Henry Wallace's Rise in Politics
Henry Wallace's ascension to politics began when he was chosen by Franklin Roosevelt as his running mate in 1940, although he was not FDR's initial choices. Roosevelt's first preference, Cordell Hull, declined the position, and his second choice, Jimmy Burns, was perceived as too controversial due to religious concerns. Ultimately, Wallace was seen as a suitable candidate to appeal to the left wing of the Democratic Party and bolster support in agricultural sectors due to his background as an agricultural secretary. However, after the election, Wallace's contribution to the ticket was underwhelming, specifically in the farm states where he failed to deliver significant support.
Wallace's Unique Character
Wallace was an eclectic figure, uniquely characterized by his combination of scientific expertise and mystical tendencies, which set him apart from typical politicians. As a self-taught agricultural geneticist, he made significant contributions to crop hybridization, influencing modern agriculture by pioneering corn crossbreeding techniques that led to the widespread adoption of hybrid crops. Despite his accomplishments, he struggled with the political aspects of his role and did not possess the natural instincts of a seasoned politician. This unusual blend of traits contributed to both his successes and failures in governance, particularly as he faced skepticism from more traditional political establishments.
The 1944 Democratic Convention Dynamics
During the 1944 Democratic convention, Wallace saw a resurgence of support from the delegates, contrasting sharply with the events from 1940 when he was kept off the stage due to fears of negative reactions. This shift was partly orchestrated by labor organizations strategically filling the convention hall with supporters calling for Wallace's nomination. Despite this apparent enthusiasm, the party leadership had evolved to prefer Harry Truman as a suitable vice-presidential choice, leading to turbulent negotiations within the party. Ultimately, Wallace's candidacy hinged on a precarious combination of grassroots support and the political maneuvering of the party's elite, illustrating the complex dynamics of convention politics.
Wallace's Foreign Policy Perspectives
Wallace's foreign policy views during and after his vice presidency reflected a strong inclination towards cooperation with the Soviet Union, which appeared to create friction with his contemporaries. His perspective informed his opposition to the Marshall Plan, as he argued for a more generous approach that prioritized international control and aid to nations devastated by World War II. Critics contended that Wallace’s proposals were impractical and would have posed severe challenges to congressional approval, highlighting the vast chasm between his vision and the dominant political paradigms of his time. His beliefs fostered further tensions within the Democratic Party, which ultimately led to his alienation and eventual resignation from Truman's administration.
The Aftermath and Counterfactual Implications
The narrative surrounding Wallace presents a compelling counterfactual about what American history might have looked like had he become president instead of Truman. Although Wallace's policies leaned towards peace, critics argue that his presidency might have emboldened Soviet expansionism and stifled America's proactive stance in global affairs. His presidency could have led to significant legislative standoffs, especially in foreign policy, as Congress was unlikely to support his proposals. Overall, Wallace's peculiar political journey serves as a reminder of how individual choices and minor events can drastically alter the trajectory of history, reinforcing the vital role of leadership in shaping the future.
Today’s episode explores one of the big counterfactuals of twentieth-century American politics: David talks to historian Benn Steil about how close the ultraliberal Henry Wallace came to being FDR’s running mate in 1944 and successor as president in 1945. How near did Wallace get to making it onto the ticket at the 1944 Democratic National Convention? Who or what stopped him? What would his presidency have meant for the Cold War and the nuclear arms race? Was getting President Truman instead a missed opportunity or a lucky escape?
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Next time: What if… the Vietnam War had ended in 1964?
