Harry S. Truman — 33rd U.S. President

President Details

President Number: 33
Years in Office: 1945 - 1953
Term Dates: April 12, 1945 – January 20, 1953
Political Party: Democratic
Vice President(s): Alben W. Barkley

Legacy Summary

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.

Notable Actions

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)

Timeline Entries

Key highlights and dated events associated with this presidency.

Showing 12 of 276 entries.

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Supreme Court rules Truman exceeded authority in steel seizure (Youngstown v. Sawyer)

June 2, 1952 • Harry S. Truman

Judicial

Supreme Court rules Truman exceeded authority in steel seizure (Youngstown v. Sawyer)

On June 2, 1952, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer that President Truman lacked constitutional authority to seize and operate the nation’s steel mills during the Korean War.

Treaty of San Francisco and U.S.–Japan Security Treaty come into force, ending occupation of Japan

April 28, 1952 • Harry S. Truman

Foreign Policy

Treaty of San Francisco and U.S.–Japan Security Treaty come into force, ending occupation of Japan

The Treaty of Peace with Japan (San Francisco Treaty) and the U.S.–Japan Security Treaty went into effect, formally ending the Allied occupation and restoring Japanese sovereignty.

Supreme Court hears emergency arguments in Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer

April 22, 1952 • Harry S. Truman

Judicial

Supreme Court hears emergency arguments in Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer

The U.S. Supreme Court heard expedited arguments challenging President Truman's April 8 seizure of the nation's steel mills.

XB-52 Stratofortress prototype makes maiden flight

April 15, 1952 • Harry S. Truman

Military Action

XB-52 Stratofortress prototype makes maiden flight

The Boeing XB-52 prototype completed its first flight, debuting the long-range jet-powered strategic bomber.

Steel companies file emergency suit challenging federal seizure of steel mills

April 9, 1952 • Harry S. Truman

Judicial

Steel companies file emergency suit challenging federal seizure of steel mills

Owners of major steel companies filed an emergency lawsuit in federal court seeking to block President Truman's April 8 order seizing the nation's steel mills during a labor dispute.

President Truman orders federal seizure of steel mills

April 8, 1952 • Harry S. Truman

Executive Action

President Truman orders federal seizure of steel mills

On April 8, 1952, Truman directed the Secretary of Commerce to seize and operate the nation's major steel mills to avert a nationwide strike that threatened Korea-war production.

President Truman Announces He Will Not Seek Re-election

March 29, 1952 • Harry S. Truman

Election / Transition

President Truman Announces He Will Not Seek Re-election

On March 29, 1952, President Harry S. Truman publicly announced that he would not be a candidate for re-election in 1952.

Final detonation of Operation Buster–Jangle concludes

November 29, 1951 • Harry S. Truman

Military Action

Final detonation of Operation Buster–Jangle concludes

The final detonation of the Operation Buster–Jangle test series was carried out at the Nevada Test Site on November 29, 1951, ending the scheduled series of tests.

First detonation of Operation Buster–Jangle at the Nevada Test Site

November 1, 1951 • Harry S. Truman

Military Action

First detonation of Operation Buster–Jangle at the Nevada Test Site

The United States conducted the opening nuclear detonation of Operation Buster–Jangle at the Nevada Test Site on November 1, 1951.

October 10, 1951 • Harry S. Truman

Foreign Policy

Signs the Mutual Security Act into law

President Truman signed the Mutual Security Act, establishing a consolidated Mutual Security Program to provide U.S. economic and military assistance to allied nations.

Robert A. Lovett sworn in as Secretary of Defense

September 17, 1951 • Harry S. Truman

Appointment

Robert A. Lovett sworn in as Secretary of Defense

Robert A. Lovett was confirmed by the Senate and sworn in as U.S. Secretary of Defense, succeeding George C. Marshall.

Signing of the U.S.–Japan Security Treaty in San Francisco

September 8, 1951 • Harry S. Truman

Foreign Policy

Signing of the U.S.–Japan Security Treaty in San Francisco

On September 8, 1951 U.S. and Japanese representatives signed the U.S.–Japan Security Treaty in San Francisco alongside the Treaty of Peace with Japan.

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