Harry S. Truman
Harry Truman is one of the most famous – and most controversial – Presidents of the twentieth century. Certainly, he was the man in charge of some of the most momentous decisions in the nation’s history. All the more remarkable, then, that he made such decisions without having been elected to the highest office in the land.
The 33rd President of the United States was born in May 1884 in Lamar, Missouri. By all accounts, he enjoyed an idyllic childhood on the family farm. However, the youthful idyll was soon shattered. Despite suffering from relatively poor eyesight, in the final months of World War I, Wilson was sent to France to fight. By the end of the war, Truman had earned the rank of captain. More significantly, he had also developed special leadership skills – skills he would put to use in his political career.
Wilson was finally demobbed as a major in May 1919. He returned home to marry his sweetheart and, while he ran a shop for a short while, he soon was heading up the political ladder. He was first appointed to public office in 1922 and had made it to Senator by 1934. When World War II erupted, he was thrust onto the big stage. The Truman Committee, which he headed, was tasked with ensuring the efficiency of the US government’s wartime contracts. While his clampdown on waste certainly didn’t win him many friends, it did earn him influence and so, by 1945, he was appointed Vice President to FDR.
Given President Roosevelt’s ill health, Truman would have surely guessed he may be called upon to take on the top job. And that he was. Just three months into his fourth term – after an incredible 12 years in office – FDR died. Truman was boss and was sworn in on April 12, 1845. Within a matter of weeks, he was required to approve the dropping of two atomic bombs on Japan. His decision remains controversial to this day. What can’t be questioned is his post-war legacy. Truman was instrumental in establishing the United Nations, while the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan helped fund the rebuilding of Europe, keeping Communism at bay.
Truman stood for re-election in 1948 and, despite his approval ratings going as low as 36% at times, he came from behind to win. This time, he had the public backing to be President. However, while he oversaw economic prosperity at home, he became bogged down by the Korean War. In the end, his Presidency is viewed with mixed feelings, dividing supporters and critics. Truman died in 1972, aged 88.