A year ago I reported to this Congress that the state of the Union was good.  I am happy to be able to report to you today that the state of the Union continues to be good.  Our Republic continues to increase in the enjoyment of freedom within its borders, and to offer strength and encouragement to all those who love freedom throughout the world.

During the past year we have made notable progress in strengthening the foundations of peace and freedom, abroad and at home.

We have taken important steps in securing the North Atlantic community against aggression.  We have continued our successful support of European recovery.  We have returned to our established policy of expanding international trade through reciprocal agreement.  We have strengthened our support of the United Nations.

While great problems still confront us, the greatest danger has receded—­the possibility which faced us 3 years ago that most of Europe and the Mediterranean area might collapse under totalitarian pressure.  Today, the free peoples of the world have new vigor and new hope for the cause of peace.

In our domestic affairs, we have made notable advances toward broader opportunity and a better life for all our citizens.

We have met and reversed the first significant downturn in economic activity since the war.  In accomplishing this, Government programs for maintaining employment and purchasing power have been of tremendous benefit.  As the result of these programs, and the wisdom and good judgment of our businessmen and workers, major readjustments have been made without widespread suffering.

During the past year, we have also made a good start in providing housing for low-income groups; we have raised minimum wages; we have gone forward with the development of our natural resources; we have given a greater assurance of stability to the farmer; and we have improved the organization and efficiency of our Government.

Today, by the grace of God, we stand a free and prosperous nation with greater possibilities for the future than any people ever had before in the history of the world.

We are now, in this year of 1950, nearing the midpoint of the 20th century.

The first half of this century will be known as the most turbulent and eventful period in recorded history.  The swift pace of events promises to make the next 50 years decisive in the history of man on this planet.

The scientific and industrial revolution which began two centuries ago has, in the last 50 years, caught up the peoples of the globe in a common destiny.  Two world-shattering wars have proved that no corner of the earth can be isolated from the affairs of mankind.

The human race has reached a turning point.  Man has opened the secrets of nature and mastered new powers.  If he uses them wisely, he can reach new heights of civilization.  If he uses them foolishly, they may destroy him.