Which president worked heavily to contain the spread of communism, responding positively to the civil rights movement?

The correct answer is Harry Truman. During his presidency from 1945 to 1953, Truman was significantly involved in the early stages of the Cold War, adopting a foreign policy aimed at containing the spread of communism. This policy was articulated in the Truman Doctrine, which pledged support for countries resisting communist insurgencies, leading to U.S. involvement in various international conflicts, such as aiding Greece and Turkey.

Truman's administration also set the groundwork for civil rights progress in the United States. In 1948, he took a courageous step by desegregating the armed forces through an executive order and establishing the President's Committee on Civil Rights. His belief in civil rights was partly rooted in his understanding of the importance of democracy and freedom as fundamental tenets that contrasted starkly with communist ideologies.

Overall, Truman's commitment to containing communism and his positive engagement with the civil rights movement were significant aspects of his presidency, reflecting the interconnectedness of foreign policy and domestic social issues during that period.