Final answer:
President Harry S. Truman combated segregation by establishing a commission to recommend civil rights policies and notably issuing Executive Order 9981 to desegregate the armed forces, as well as Executive Order 9980 for fair employment practices in federal agencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
President Harry S. Truman implemented significant measures to fight segregation during his presidency. Recognizing the political influence of African Americans as a voting bloc, in 1946, he established an advisory commission to recommend civil rights policies. Subsequently, Truman issued Executive Order 9981 in July 1948, which mandated the desegregation of the armed forces and affirmed the right to equal opportunity in the military regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or national origins.
Understanding the importance of civil rights for national unity and the global image of the United States, particularly in light of the Cold War, Truman was also motivated by domestic and international pressures to take action. Amid societal unrest and racial violence, especially in the South, he made his intentions clear about guaranteeing U.S. citizens their rights and addressing the demands of African American leaders. When Congress showed reluctance to enact civil rights legislation, Truman used his executive power, further issuing Executive Order 9980 to ensure fair employment practices within federal agencies.