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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Truman calls President-elect Dwight D. Eisenhower to concede and offers cooperation during the transition

November 4, 1952 • Harry S. Truman

Election / Transition

Truman calls President-elect Dwight D. Eisenhower to concede and offers cooperation during the transition

On election night, President Harry S. Truman telephoned Dwight D. Eisenhower to concede the 1952 presidential election and signaled his intention to ensure an orderly transition.

Dwight D. Eisenhower elected President, defeating Adlai Stevenson

November 4, 1952 • Harry S. Truman

Election / Transition

Dwight D. Eisenhower elected President, defeating Adlai Stevenson

On November 4, 1952, Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower won the U.S. presidential election, defeating Democrat Adlai Stevenson in a decisive victory.

United States conducts first full-scale thermonuclear test, 'Ivy Mike'

November 1, 1952 • Harry S. Truman

Military Action

United States conducts first full-scale thermonuclear test, 'Ivy Mike'

The U.S. detonated 'Ivy Mike'—the first successful full-scale thermonuclear (hydrogen) device—at Enewetak Atoll in the Pacific on November 1, 1952.

Battle of Triangle Hill (Operation Showdown) begins, Korean War

October 14, 1952 • Harry S. Truman

Military Action

Battle of Triangle Hill (Operation Showdown) begins, Korean War

U.N. forces launched Operation Showdown to capture Triangle Hill from Chinese forces, initiating intense fighting that began on October 14, 1952.

Battle of White Horse (Hill 395) begins, Korean War

October 6, 1952 • Harry S. Truman

Military Action

Battle of White Horse (Hill 395) begins, Korean War

South Korean and U.N. forces came under heavy Chinese attack on Hill 395 (the Battle of White Horse), a major engagement that began on October 6, 1952.

Adlai Stevenson nominated as Democratic presidential candidate

July 23, 1952 • Harry S. Truman

Election / Transition

Adlai Stevenson nominated as Democratic presidential candidate

On July 23, 1952 the Democratic National Convention in Chicago nominated Illinois Governor Adlai Stevenson as the party's candidate for president.

Senator John Sparkman chosen as Democratic vice-presidential nominee

July 22, 1952 • Harry S. Truman

Election / Transition

Senator John Sparkman chosen as Democratic vice-presidential nominee

On July 22, 1952 the Democratic National Convention in Chicago selected Alabama Senator John Sparkman as the party's vice-presidential nominee.

1952 Democratic National Convention opens in Chicago

July 21, 1952 • Harry S. Truman

Election / Transition

1952 Democratic National Convention opens in Chicago

Delegates gathered in Chicago on July 21 to begin the Democratic National Convention to choose a presidential nominee and adopt the party platform.

Republican National Convention nominates Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard Nixon

July 9, 1952 • Harry S. Truman

Election / Transition

Republican National Convention nominates Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard Nixon

At the Republican National Convention in Chicago, delegates nominated General Dwight D. Eisenhower for president and California Senator Richard Nixon for vice president.

Congress overrides Truman's veto of the Immigration and Nationality Act (McCarran–Walter Act)

June 27, 1952 • Harry S. Truman

Legislation

Congress overrides Truman's veto of the Immigration and Nationality Act (McCarran–Walter Act)

On June 27, 1952, Congress overrode President Truman's veto of the Immigration and Nationality Act (commonly called the McCarran–Walter Act), enacting a comprehensive revision of U.S. immigration law.

Truman vetoes the Immigration and Nationality Act (McCarran–Walter Act)

June 23, 1952 • Harry S. Truman

Legislation

Truman vetoes the Immigration and Nationality Act (McCarran–Walter Act)

President Truman vetoed the Immigration and Nationality Act, criticizing its retention of national‑origin quotas and its restrictive internal security provisions.

Supreme Court rules Truman exceeded authority in steel seizure (Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer)

June 2, 1952 • Harry S. Truman

Judicial

Supreme Court rules Truman exceeded authority in steel seizure (Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer)

The U.S. Supreme Court held that President Truman lacked statutory or constitutional authority to seize and operate the nation’s steel mills during a labor dispute without Congressional authorization.

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