Harry S. Truman Biography
Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, served from 1945 to 1953, a period marked by the conclusion of World War II and the onset of the Cold War. Born on May 8, 1884, in Lamar, Missouri, Truman’s rise from a modest background to the highest office in the land was marked by perseverance, dedication, and an unwavering sense of duty. This biography explores Truman’s early life, political career, presidency, and legacy, providing a detailed examination of his impact on American and global history.
Early Life and Education
Harry S. Truman was the eldest of three children born to John Anderson Truman, a farmer and livestock trader, and Martha Ellen Young Truman. The family moved several times during Truman’s childhood, eventually settling in Independence, Missouri. Truman’s middle name “S” was a compromise between the names of his grandfathers, Anderson Shipp Truman and Solomon Young (McCullough, 1992).
Truman’s early education took place in local public schools in Independence. He was an avid reader and particularly enjoyed biographies and histories. After high school, Truman worked a variety of jobs, including time spent as a timekeeper on the Santa Fe Railroad, a clerk in a bank, and helping on the family farm. His formal education beyond high school was limited, as he could not afford college (McCullough, 1992).
Military Service and Business Ventures
In 1917, with the United States entering World War I, Truman enlisted in the Missouri National Guard. He was elected as a first lieutenant and quickly rose to the rank of captain, commanding an artillery battery in France. Truman’s leadership during the war earned him the respect of his men and helped forge lifelong friendships that would later support his political career (Ferrell, 1994).
After returning from the war, Truman married Bess Wallace in 1919, whom he had known since childhood. The couple had one daughter, Margaret. Truman tried his hand at several business ventures, including a haberdashery (men’s clothing store) in Kansas City. The business initially did well but eventually failed during the economic downturn of 1921. The experience left Truman deeply in debt, but he paid off his creditors over the next 15 years, demonstrating his commitment to personal responsibility and integrity (Hamby, 1995).
Early Political Career
Truman’s entry into politics was facilitated by his association with the Pendergast political machine, a powerful Democratic organization in Kansas City led by Tom Pendergast. In 1922, Truman was elected as judge of the Jackson County Court, an administrative position akin to a county commissioner. He served as presiding judge from 1927 to 1934, overseeing the construction of roads and public buildings, and earning a reputation for efficiency and honesty (McCullough, 1992).
In 1934, Truman was elected to the U.S. Senate. As a senator, he initially kept a low profile but gained national attention during World War II for his leadership of the Senate Special Committee to Investigate the National Defense Program, commonly known as the Truman Committee. The committee’s work in uncovering waste and corruption in war contracts saved billions of dollars and bolstered Truman’s reputation as a diligent and incorruptible public servant (Ferrell, 1994).
Vice Presidency and Ascension to the Presidency
In 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt selected Truman as his running mate for his fourth term. Roosevelt’s health was in decline, and party leaders viewed Truman as a safe, moderate choice who would appeal to various factions within the Democratic Party. The Roosevelt-Truman ticket won the election, and Truman assumed the vice presidency in January 1945. His tenure as vice president was brief and uneventful, as he was largely kept out of major policy discussions (McCullough, 1992).
On April 12, 1945, Roosevelt died suddenly, and Truman was thrust into the presidency during a critical juncture in world history. Despite the shock and gravity of the moment, Truman quickly took charge, stating, “The responsibility is mine, and I will meet it” (Hamby, 1995).
The Presidency: World War II and Post-War Challenges
Truman’s first major decision as president was to authorize the use of atomic bombs on Japan in an effort to end World War II. The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 led to Japan’s surrender and the conclusion of the war. The decision remains one of the most controversial actions in American history, but Truman defended it as necessary to save lives and bring a swift end to the conflict (Ferrell, 1994).
In the post-war period, Truman faced numerous challenges, including transitioning the American economy from wartime to peacetime production, addressing labor strikes, and managing international relations. His administration implemented the Marshall Plan, which provided extensive economic aid to rebuild Western Europe and prevent the spread of communism. Truman also played a pivotal role in the establishment of the United Nations and NATO, laying the groundwork for the Cold War alliance system (McCullough, 1992).
The Fair Deal and Domestic Policy
Domestically, Truman sought to continue and expand upon the New Deal programs of his predecessor. He proposed a comprehensive package of social and economic reforms known as the Fair Deal, which included national health insurance, federal aid to education, and civil rights legislation. While many of his proposals were blocked by a conservative Congress, Truman did achieve significant victories, including the passage of the Housing Act of 1949, which aimed to address post-war housing shortages (Hamby, 1995).
Truman’s commitment to civil rights marked a significant turning point in American politics. He desegregated the armed forces by executive order in 1948 and established the President’s Committee on Civil Rights to address racial discrimination. These actions laid the foundation for the civil rights movements of the 1950s and 1960s and demonstrated Truman’s willingness to challenge entrenched social norms (Ferrell, 1994).
The 1948 Election and the Korean War
The 1948 presidential election is often remembered for Truman’s surprising victory over Republican candidate Thomas E. Dewey. Polls and political experts widely predicted a Dewey win, but Truman embarked on a vigorous and direct campaign, crisscrossing the country by train and delivering fiery speeches that resonated with voters. His victory is often cited as one of the greatest upsets in American political history (McCullough, 1992).
In June 1950, the Korean War broke out when North Korean forces invaded South Korea. Truman swiftly committed U.S. troops to a United Nations-led coalition to repel the invasion and contain the spread of communism in Asia. The war, which lasted until 1953, was a significant and costly conflict that tested Truman’s leadership and the nation’s resolve. It marked the first major armed conflict of the Cold War and set a precedent for American involvement in regional conflicts to counter communist expansion (Hamby, 1995).
Later Years and Legacy
Truman chose not to seek re-election in 1952, retiring to his home in Independence, Missouri. In his post-presidential years, he remained active in public life, writing his memoirs and establishing the Truman Presidential Library. He continued to speak out on political issues and maintained a presence in the Democratic Party (Ferrell, 1994).
Truman’s legacy is marked by his decisive leadership during a transformative period in American history. His presidency saw the end of World War II, the beginning of the Cold War, and significant advances in civil rights and social welfare. While his administration faced numerous challenges and controversies, Truman’s straightforward and principled approach to governance earned him widespread respect.
Historians have generally ranked Truman highly for his leadership, particularly his foreign policy achievements and his commitment to civil rights. His decision to use atomic weapons, his handling of the Korean War, and his efforts to promote international cooperation through institutions like the United Nations and NATO are often cited as defining aspects of his presidency (McCullough, 1992).
Final Summary
Harry S. Truman’s life and presidency exemplify the resilience and determination required to navigate the complexities of leadership during times of crisis. From his humble beginnings in Missouri to his rise to the highest office in the land, Truman’s career was marked by a steadfast commitment to public service and an unwavering sense of duty.
Truman’s legacy, shaped by his decisive actions during World War II, his efforts to rebuild Europe and contain communism, and his advances in civil rights, continues to influence contemporary political discourse. As a leader who faced immense challenges with integrity and resolve, Harry S. Truman remains a pivotal figure in American history.
References
Ferrell, R. H. (1994). *Harry S. Truman: A Life*. University of Missouri Press.
Hamby, A. L. (1995). *Man of the People: A Life of Harry S. Truman*. Oxford University Press.
McCullough, D. (1992). *Truman*. Simon & Schuster.
Smith, J. E. (2007). *FDR*. Random House.
Wilson, J. (2020). *Herbert Hoover: An American Tragedy*. Knopf.Â