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.

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President Truman orders abolition of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS)

September 20, 1945 • Harry S. Truman

Executive Action

President Truman orders abolition of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS)

On September 20, 1945, President Truman ordered the dissolution of the wartime Office of Strategic Services, transferring many of its functions to the Departments of State and War while creating a small Strategic Services Unit to preserve critical intelligence capabilities.

President Truman nominates Harold H. Burton to the U.S. Supreme Court

September 19, 1945 • Harry S. Truman

Appointment

President Truman nominates Harold H. Burton to the U.S. Supreme Court

President Truman nominated Senator Harold H. Burton of Ohio to fill a vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court.

British forces formally accept Japanese surrender in Hong Kong

September 16, 1945 • Harry S. Truman

Foreign Policy

British forces formally accept Japanese surrender in Hong Kong

On September 16, 1945 British authorities formally accepted the surrender of Japanese forces in Hong Kong, ending the Japanese occupation of the colony.

Formal surrender of Japanese forces in Singapore accepted by Allied commander Lord Mountbatten

September 12, 1945 • Harry S. Truman

Foreign Policy

Formal surrender of Japanese forces in Singapore accepted by Allied commander Lord Mountbatten

On September 12, 1945 British Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten formally accepted the surrender of Japanese forces in Singapore, ending five years of Japanese occupation.

Former Japanese premier Hideki Tojo attempts suicide and is captured by occupation authorities

September 11, 1945 • Harry S. Truman

Military Action

Former Japanese premier Hideki Tojo attempts suicide and is captured by occupation authorities

On September 11, 1945, former Japanese Prime Minister Hideki Tojo attempted suicide after learning of an arrest order, survived the attempt, and was taken into custody by Allied occupation authorities.

United States Army Military Government in Korea (USAMGIK) established in Seoul

September 9, 1945 • Harry S. Truman

Military Action

United States Army Military Government in Korea (USAMGIK) established in Seoul

U.S. forces under Lt. Gen. John R. Hodge formally set up the United States Army Military Government in Korea in Seoul to administer southern Korea after Japan's surrender.

U.S. troops land at Incheon to accept Japanese surrender and begin occupation of southern Korea

September 8, 1945 • Harry S. Truman

Military Action

U.S. troops land at Incheon to accept Japanese surrender and begin occupation of southern Korea

On September 8, 1945 U.S. Army forces under General John R. Hodge landed at Incheon to accept the surrender of Japanese forces south of the 38th parallel and establish U.S. military control.

General Douglas MacArthur issues General Order No. 1 setting surrender and occupation procedures for Japanese forces

September 2, 1945 • Harry S. Truman

Military Action

General Douglas MacArthur issues General Order No. 1 setting surrender and occupation procedures for Japanese forces

On September 2, 1945, General Douglas MacArthur, as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, issued General Order No. 1 directing the surrender, disarmament, and occupation procedures for Japan and Japanese-held territories.

President Truman's V-J Day radio address announcing Japan's surrender

September 2, 1945 • Harry S. Truman

Speech

President Truman's V-J Day radio address announcing Japan's surrender

President Harry S. Truman delivered a nationwide radio address announcing Japan's formal surrender and the end of World War II.

Formal Japanese Instrument of Surrender signed aboard USS Missouri

September 2, 1945 • Harry S. Truman

Foreign Policy

Formal Japanese Instrument of Surrender signed aboard USS Missouri

Representatives of the Empire of Japan signed the Instrument of Surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, formally ending World War II.

General Douglas MacArthur arrives in Japan to begin Allied occupation

August 30, 1945 • Harry S. Truman

Foreign Policy

General Douglas MacArthur arrives in Japan to begin Allied occupation

General Douglas MacArthur arrived in Japan to assume his duties as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, beginning on-the-ground implementation of Allied occupation authority.

Truman appoints General Douglas MacArthur Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers in Japan

August 17, 1945 • Harry S. Truman

Appointment

Truman appoints General Douglas MacArthur Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers in Japan

On August 17, 1945, President Truman designated General Douglas MacArthur as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers to oversee Japan's surrender, occupation, and reconstruction.

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