Harry S. Truman was the 33rd President of the United States, serving from 1945 to 1953. He is best known for making the decision to use atomic bombs on Japan during World War II and for his leadership during the early years of the Cold War.
Truman was born on May 8, 1884, in Lamar, Missouri. He grew up on a farm and had a modest upbringing. After high school, he worked various jobs before enlisting in the U.S. Army during World War I.
Truman's political career began in 1922 when he was elected as a county judge in Missouri. He later served as a U.S. Senator before being chosen as Franklin D. Roosevelt's running mate in the 1944 presidential election. Truman became President upon Roosevelt's death in 1945.
Truman's presidency was marked by several significant events, including the end of World War II, the beginning of the Cold War, and the establishment of the United Nations and NATO. He also implemented the Marshall Plan to aid in the reconstruction of post-war Europe.
Truman's presidency is often remembered for his decisive leadership and tough decision-making, particularly in the use of atomic bombs on Japan and the decision to intervene in the Korean War. He also advocated for civil rights and desegregation, and his presidency laid the groundwork for the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s.