Harry S. Truman

Harry ca. 1897

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Trumanhist

Harry S. Truman in his World War I Army uniform

Harry S. Truman WW I

Officers, 129th Field Artillery, at regimental headquarters at Château du Chesnay near Courcemont, France, March 1919. Cap - NARA - 530949.tif

Harry S. Truman (May 8, 1884 – December 26, 1972) was the 33rd President of the United States, serving from 1945 to 1953. Succeeding Franklin D. Roosevelt upon his death, Truman was a pivotal figure in the mid-20th century, guiding the United States through the final stages of World War II and the early years of the Cold War. His presidency was marked by significant events, including the decision to use atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the founding of the United Nations, the implementation of the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe, the beginning of the Korean War, and the establishment of the NATO alliance.

Early Life and Career

Harry S. Truman was born in Lamar, Missouri, and spent most of his youth on a farm. He did not attend college but instead worked various jobs until he served in World War I as an artillery officer. After the war, Truman entered politics, serving as a county judge in Missouri before being elected to the United States Senate in 1934. As a senator, he gained national prominence for his leadership of the Truman Committee, which aimed to reduce waste and inefficiency in wartime contracts.

Vice Presidency and Ascension to Presidency

In 1944, Truman was selected as Roosevelt's running mate, replacing Henry A. Wallace as the Vice President. Less than three months after their inauguration, Roosevelt died, and Truman assumed the presidency on April 12, 1945. Unprepared for the sudden responsibility, Truman famously stated, "I felt like the moon, the stars, and all the planets had fallen on me."

Presidency

Truman's presidency was dominated by foreign affairs, as he navigated the end of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War. His decision to use atomic weapons against Japan in August 1945 remains one of the most controversial decisions in American history. Truman argued that it was necessary to end the war and save lives, though it led to immense destruction and civilian casualties.

In domestic policy, Truman faced challenges including labor strikes and racial tensions. He advanced civil rights by desegregating the armed forces and taking steps to ensure fair employment practices. His economic policies, known as the "Fair Deal," aimed to extend the New Deal's social welfare programs, but many of his proposals were blocked by Congress.

Legacy

Truman's legacy is complex. He is criticized for his decision to use atomic bombs and for some of his Cold War policies, which are seen as contributing to the long duration of the conflict. However, he is also praised for his leadership during a critical period of American history, his commitment to rebuilding Europe, and his efforts to establish international institutions aimed at preventing future conflicts.

Truman retired to Independence, Missouri, where he spent his post-presidential years involved in various public activities and writing his memoirs. He passed away in 1972 and is buried at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence. 0