1945-1960 335. President Harry Truman: first president to show positive response to civil rights movement; worked heavily on keeping Soviet spread of communism in check? 336. Jackie Robinson: first African-American in major league baseball 337. Desegregation of Armed Forces (1947): banned racial discrimination in federal practices; To Secure These Rights called for desegregation, anti-lynching, end of poll taxes 338. Dixiecrats, 1948: fought for old Southern way of life (states? rights), attempted to gain higher standing within Democratic party; aimed to deny Truman enough electoral votes to avoid his reelection by nominating Strom Thurmond (SC governor)