Harry S. Truman

8 May 1884 – 26 December 1972

Harry S. Truman was an American politician who served as the 33rd President of the United States from 1945 to 1953. He assumed the presidency in the final months of World War II, authorized the use of atomic weapons against Japan, and oversaw the postwar reconstruction of Europe, the founding of NATO, and the onset of the Cold War.

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Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Harry S. Truman.

Life events

Born in Lamar, Missouri
8 May 1884

Truman was born in the small town of Lamar, Missouri.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Served as an artillery officer in World War I
1918 – 1919

Truman commanded an artillery battery in France during the First World War.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Elected to the United States Senate
3 January 1935 – 17 January 1945

He won election as a U.S. Senator from Missouri.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Became President of the United States
12 April 1945 – 20 January 1953

Truman assumed the presidency upon the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Authorized the atomic bombings of Japan
6 August 1945

Truman approved the use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, hastening the end of World War II.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Launched the Marshall Plan and Truman Doctrine
1947

He committed the U.S. to rebuilding Europe and containing the spread of communism.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Won the 1948 presidential election
2 November 1948

Truman won a surprise victory over Thomas Dewey to secure a full term.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Committed U.S. forces to the Korean War
27 June 1950

He ordered American troops to defend South Korea following the North Korean invasion.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died in Kansas City, Missouri
26 December 1972

Truman died at the age of 88 in Kansas City.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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