Harry S. Truman
| Harry S. Truman | |
|---|---|
| File:Harry S. Truman Presidential Portrait.jpg | |
| Order | 33rd President of the United States |
| In office | April 12, 1945 – January 20, 1953 |
| Vice President | Alben W. Barkley |
| Preceded by | Franklin D. Roosevelt |
| Succeeded by | Dwight D. Eisenhower |
| Born | May 8, 1884 Lamar, Missouri, United States |
| Political Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Bess Truman (m. 1919–1972) |
| Children | Margaret |
| Profession | Farmer, haberdasher, politician |
| Alma mater | Spalding's Commercial College (no degree) |
| Signature | File:Harry S. Truman Signature.svg |
Harry S. Truman (May 8, 1884 – December 26, 1972) was the 33rd president of the United States, serving from 1945 to 1953. He succeeded Franklin D. Roosevelt after his death in April 1945 and led the country through the final stages of World War II and the early years of the Cold War.
Early Life and Career
Truman was born in Lamar, Missouri, and worked as a farmer and small business owner before entering politics. He served in World War I and began his political career as a county judge before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 1934.
Vice Presidency and Accession
Truman served as vice president for only 82 days before FDR’s sudden death. He was quickly sworn in as president and soon faced one of the most difficult decisions in history—using the atomic bomb against Japan.
Presidency (1945–1953)
Truman authorized the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, ending World War II. His presidency oversaw the beginning of the Cold War, the Marshall Plan for European recovery, the Truman Doctrine, and the founding of NATO. Domestically, he desegregated the armed forces and supported civil rights.
Legacy
Truman left office with low approval ratings, but his reputation has improved over time. He is now regarded as a decisive leader during a turbulent era in global history.