Final answer:
Harry Truman established key agencies such as the National Security Council, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the Federal Employees Loyalty and Security Program to bolster national security and counter perceived Communist threats during his presidency. His administration also promoted civil rights through desegregation of the armed forces and review boards to address discrimination.
Step-by-step explanation:
During Harry Truman's presidency, several agencies were established to address national security and civil rights concerns amid the Cold War's tension. Prominent among these was the creation of the National Security Council (NSC) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) through the National Security Act of 1947. These organizations played crucial roles in U.S. foreign policy and security strategies. Truman, keen on containing the Soviet threat, oversaw these agencies' operations to ensure adequate defense and intelligence gathering capabilities. Additionally, Truman's commitment to civil rights led him to initiate desegregation in the armed forces and create review boards to monitor discrimination.
Another significant agency was the Federal Employees Loyalty and Security Program, including the Loyalty Review Board, which investigated government employees for potential disloyalty. This initiative reflected the era's atmosphere when fear of Communist influence was rampant.
Aside from internal security measures, Truman's administration also focused on civil rights, evidenced by his establishment of advisory commissions to recommend civil rights policies, leading to the desegregation of the armed forces and the creation of anti-discrimination review boards.