Harry S. Truman (1884–1972) was the 33rd President of the United States, serving from April 12, 1945 to January 20, 1953. A Democrat, he assumed the presidency after Franklin D. Roosevelt's death and guided the nation through the end of World War II and the early Cold War.
Truman reshaped America's postwar role, moving the nation from global war to Cold War leadership through the Marshall Plan, the Truman Doctrine, the Berlin Airlift, and the creation of NATO while confronting crises such as the Korean War.
On the domestic front he promoted the Fair Deal and took historic steps on civil rights, notably issuing Executive Order 9981 to desegregate the armed forces; his plainspoken leadership and decisive choices left a complex but enduring legacy that gained greater respect over time.
Assumed the presidency in 1945 and guided the transition from World War II to peacetime; Authorized use of atomic weapons against Japan (Hiroshima and Nagasaki); Articulated the Truman Doctrine and enacted the Marshall Plan to contain Soviet expansion; Supported the Berlin Airlift and helped establish NATO; Recognized the State of Israel in 1948; Issued Executive Order 9981 to desegregate the armed forces and led the U.S. during the Korean War (1950–1953)
Key highlights and dated events associated with this presidency.
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The UN Security Council convened for the first time in London to begin organizing its procedures and addressing immediate postwar security concerns.
The inaugural United Nations General Assembly convened at Methodist Central Hall in London, bringing representatives of the member states together for the first plenary meeting of the new international organization.
After required ratifications, the IMF and the IBRD (World Bank) came into legal existence on December 27, 1945, establishing key postwar international financial institutions.
President Truman named General George C. Marshall as his special representative to China to seek a negotiated settlement between the Nationalists and Communists.
The International Military Tribunal opened in Nuremberg to try major Nazi leaders on charges including crimes against peace, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, with U.S. Chief Prosecutor Robert H. Jackson leading the American prosecution team.
President Truman named General Dwight D. Eisenhower as Chief of Staff of the United States Army, with the appointment taking effect November 19, 1945.
President Truman issued the annual Armistice Day proclamation and participated in nationwide observances honoring the end of World War I and veterans of U.S. military service.
On October 24, 1945 the required number of ratifications took effect and the United Nations Charter entered into force, formally establishing the United Nations with the United States as a founding member.
The International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg filed formal indictments charging 24 leading Nazis with crimes against peace, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
General Douglas MacArthur landed at Atsugi Airfield near Tokyo on September 27 to take up command as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers in the occupation of Japan.
The U.S. Senate voted to confirm Harold H. Burton as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, and he took his seat on the Court later that month.
President Truman accepted the resignation of Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson and appointed Robert P. Patterson to succeed him, with the change effective September 21, 1945.