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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Battle of Chosin Reservoir begins — Chinese forces attack UN X Corps

November 27, 1950 • Harry S. Truman

Military Action

Battle of Chosin Reservoir begins — Chinese forces attack UN X Corps

Chinese People's Volunteer Army forces launched a large-scale attack on UN X Corps around the Chosin Reservoir in northeast Korea, initiating brutal fighting that trapped and then forced a fighting withdrawal of UN units including U.S. Marines.

Chinese People's Volunteer Army launches major Second Phase Offensive across the Ch'ongch'on River

November 25, 1950 • Harry S. Truman

Military Action

Chinese People's Volunteer Army launches major Second Phase Offensive across the Ch'ongch'on River

On November 25, 1950, large units of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army launched a surprise counteroffensive across the Ch'ongch'on River, striking UN and U.S. forces in northwestern Korea.

1950 Midterm Elections — Democrats Lose Ground but Keep Congress

November 7, 1950 • Harry S. Truman

Election / Transition

1950 Midterm Elections — Democrats Lose Ground but Keep Congress

The 1950 United States midterm elections were held, in which Democrats suffered losses in both the House and the Senate but retained majorities in each chamber.

First major clashes between Chinese People's Volunteer Army and UN/ROK forces at Onjong begin

October 25, 1950 • Harry S. Truman

Military Action

First major clashes between Chinese People's Volunteer Army and UN/ROK forces at Onjong begin

Chinese People's Volunteer Army units attacked ROK II Corps around Onjong beginning on October 25, producing the first large‑scale engagements between Chinese forces and UN troops in the war.

October 19, 1950 • Harry S. Truman

Military Action

United Nations forces capture Pyongyang

U.S. Eighth Army and Republic of Korea forces captured Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea.

Wake Island conference between President Truman and General Douglas MacArthur

October 15, 1950 • Harry S. Truman

Military Action

Wake Island conference between President Truman and General Douglas MacArthur

President Truman met General Douglas MacArthur on Wake Island to review Korean War strategy and to endorse continued UN operations into North Korea.

United Nations forces enter and secure Wonsan, North Korea

October 10, 1950 • Harry S. Truman

Military Action

United Nations forces enter and secure Wonsan, North Korea

UN amphibious and overland operations resulted in the capture and securing of the port city of Wonsan by UN/ROK forces on the east coast of North Korea.

UN forces cross the 38th Parallel into North Korea

October 7, 1950 • Harry S. Truman

Military Action

UN forces cross the 38th Parallel into North Korea

United Nations Command forces, led by U.S. and Republic of Korea units, crossed the 38th parallel and advanced into North Korea beginning an offensive north of the former division line.

September 25, 1950 • Harry S. Truman

Military Action

UN and U.S. forces recapture Seoul

United Nations and U.S. forces recaptured Seoul from North Korean control after coordinated offensives following the Inchon landing.

George C. Marshall sworn in as Secretary of Defense

September 21, 1950 • Harry S. Truman

Appointment

George C. Marshall sworn in as Secretary of Defense

Former Army Chief of Staff George C. Marshall was sworn in as U.S. Secretary of Defense, succeeding Louis A. Johnson.

Secretary of Defense Louis A. Johnson resigns

September 19, 1950 • Harry S. Truman

Appointment

Secretary of Defense Louis A. Johnson resigns

Louis A. Johnson resigned as U.S. Secretary of Defense amid intense congressional criticism over his management of defense budgets and procurement during the early months of the Korean War.

September 15, 1950 • Harry S. Truman

Military Action

Inchon amphibious assault begins

U.S. and United Nations forces under General Douglas MacArthur launched a surprise amphibious landing at Inchon, Korea, initiating a major counteroffensive against North Korean forces.

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