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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President Truman approved the creation of the Psychological Strategy Board to coordinate U.S. government psychological operations and strategic messaging across State, Defense, and intelligence agencies.
A Manhattan federal jury found Julius and Ethel Rosenberg guilty of conspiracy to commit espionage for passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union.
On March 14, United Nations troops re-entered and retook Seoul during the Korean War after pushing enemy forces north of the Han River.
On March 7, United Nations forces under Gen. Matthew Ridgway launched Operation Ripper, a major counteroffensive aiming to drive Chinese and North Korean forces north of the Han River.
On February 27, 1951, the 22nd Amendment was ratified when the necessary three-fourths of states approved it, formally limiting U.S. presidents to two elected terms (with limited exceptions).
On January 25, 1951, United Nations forces under General Matthew B. Ridgway launched Operation Thunderbolt, a major counteroffensive aimed at pushing Chinese and North Korean forces southward after the fall of Seoul.
On January 4, 1951, Chinese People's Volunteer Army and North Korean forces entered and retook Seoul, forcing United Nations and U.S. forces to withdraw from the South Korean capital.
President Harry S. Truman delivered his annual message to Congress, urging increased defense spending, tax measures to finance the Korean War, and anti-inflation controls while outlining domestic program priorities.
After the death of Lt. Gen. Walton H. Walker on December 23, General Matthew B. Ridgway took command of the U.S. Eighth Army in Korea on December 24, 1950.
UN and U.S. forces completed the emergency evacuation from the North Korean port of Hungnam, carrying out final sailings on December 24, 1950, that removed tens of thousands of troops and civilians.
Lt. Gen. Walton H. Walker, commander of the U.S. Eighth Army in Korea, was killed in an automobile accident near Taegu (Daegu) on December 23, 1950.
Fierce fighting around the Chosin Reservoir concluded on December 13, 1950, as U.S. X Corps and attached units completed a fighting withdrawal toward the Hungnam perimeter against Chinese forces.