Harry S. Truman's family was hit hard by the Great Depression, which began in 1929. His father, John Anderson Truman, was a farmer and businessman who lost his investments and could not find work. Truman's mother, Martha Ellen Young Truman, was a homemaker who had to take in laundry to make ends meet. Truman himself had to leave high school early to help support the family.
World War II
Truman served as an artillery officer in the United States Army during World War I. He was stationed in France and saw combat. He was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart. Truman's military service gave him a sense of patriotism and public service.
Vice Presidency
Truman was elected to the United States Senate in 1934. He served as senator for Missouri for ten years. In 1944, Truman was elected vice president under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Roosevelt's Death
Roosevelt died of a cerebral hemorrhage on April 12, 1945. Truman was sworn in as president the next day. He was 60 years old.
The Atomic Bomb
One of the most important decisions Truman made as president was to use the atomic bomb against Japan. The bomb was dropped on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. Truman's decision to use the bomb is still debated today.
The Cold War
The Cold War was a global conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union that lasted from 1947 to 1991. Truman was president during the early stages of the Cold War. He implemented policies such as the Marshall Plan and the Truman Doctrine to contain communism.
Korean War
The Korean War was a major conflict between the United States and North Korea that lasted from 1950 to 1953. Truman was president during the first two years of the Korean War. He sent American troops to Korea and tried to negotiate a peace agreement.
Truman's Legacy
Truman's presidency was marked by a number of major events, including the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, and the Korean War. He is considered to be one of the most consequential presidents in American history.