What was a key feature of the Truman presidency regarding civil rights?

The correct answer is that a key feature of the Truman presidency was his decision to desegregate the military for the first time. In 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981, which stated that there should be equality of treatment and opportunity for all individuals in the armed services, regardless of race. This marked a significant turning point in U.S. history, as it was one of the earliest major federal actions toward civil rights during a time when racial segregation was prevalent across many aspects of American life.

Truman's commitment to civil rights also reflected growing awareness and activism regarding racial injustice in the United States. His decision to integrate the military not only changed the dynamics within the armed forces but also symbolized a broader shift in the civil rights movement, encouraging other sectors to reconsider discriminatory practices.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the significant civil rights actions taken by Truman. Promoting segregation in the military and ignoring civil rights completely would contradict his actions, while establishing a Fair Employment Practices Commission was not directly part of his presidency—it was created earlier during the Roosevelt administration. Thus, the choice of desegregating the military represents the most accurate and pivotal moment of Truman's legacy regarding civil rights.