Harry S. Truman

Explore the timeline of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States. This detailed timeline covers significant events and milestones in Truman's life, from his early years and military service to his presidency and post-presidential activities. Discover how Truman navigated pivotal moments in history, including the end of World War II and the start of the Cold War.

Born: May 08, 1884
President of the United States
University of Missouri–Kansas City

8 mei 1884

12 april 1945

6 augustus 1945

12 maart 1947

14 mei 1948

2 november 1948

25 juni 1950

11 april 1951

26 juli 1952

20 januari 1953

08mei
1884
08 May 1884

Birth of Harry S. Truman

Harry S. Truman was born on May 8, 1884, in Lamar, Missouri. Truman was the eldest child of John Anderson Truman and Martha Ellen Young Truman. He grew up in Independence, Missouri, and worked on his family's farm. Before becoming active in politics, Truman held various jobs, including a clerkship at a bank and a partnership in a haberdashery.

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12april
1945
12 April 1945

Harry S. Truman becomes President of the United States

On April 12, 1945, Harry S. Truman became the 33rd President of the United States following the sudden death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. At the time of Roosevelt's death, Truman was serving as Vice President and had been in office for only 82 days. His presidency began at a time when World War II was still being fought in Europe and the Pacific.

06augustus
1945
06 August 1945

Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima

On August 6, 1945, under the orders of President Harry S. Truman, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. This was the first time an atomic bomb had been used in warfare, and it led to the deaths of an estimated 140,000 people by the end of the year. This decision was made to hasten the end of World War II, though it remains a topic of intense ethical debate.

12maart
1947
12 March 1947

Truman Doctrine Announced

On March 12, 1947, President Harry S. Truman announced the Truman Doctrine, a key moment in the early Cold War. The doctrine proclaimed U.S. support for countries threatened by Soviet communism, initially focusing on Greece and Turkey. This policy led to economic and military aid to these nations and marked the beginning of the U.S.'s global containment strategy against the spread of communism.

14mei
1948
14 May 1948

Recognition of Israel

On May 14, 1948, President Harry S. Truman issued a statement recognizing the provisional Jewish government as the de facto authority of the new State of Israel, making the United States the first country to recognize Israel. Truman's decision was influenced by humanitarian concerns for the Jewish refugees post-Holocaust and also by domestic political considerations.

02november
1948
02 November 1948

1948 Presidential Election

On November 2, 1948, Harry S. Truman won an unexpected victory in the U.S. presidential election against Republican candidate Thomas E. Dewey. The victory is often remembered for the famous headline "Dewey Defeats Truman" printed by the Chicago Tribune in its early editions. Truman's campaign emphasized the continuation of New Deal policies and a strong internationalist position in foreign affairs.

25juni
1950
25 June 1950

Start of the Korean War

On June 25, 1950, North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel and invaded South Korea, marking the beginning of the Korean War. President Harry S. Truman swiftly committed U.S. forces to a United Nations-sponsored defense of South Korea. Truman's determination to support South Korea was driven by his policy of containment and the need to thwart communist expansion during the Cold War.

11april
1951
11 April 1951

Dismissal of General MacArthur

On April 11, 1951, President Harry S. Truman dismissed General Douglas MacArthur from his command in Korea. The decision came after MacArthur made public statements that contradicted the policies of the Truman administration, particularly regarding his advocacy for expanding the Korean War into China. The dismissal was controversial and led to a major debate about civilian control of the military.

26juli
1952
26 July 1952

Truman Signs the Treaty of San Francisco

On July 26, 1952, President Truman signed the Treaty of San Francisco, which officially ended the state of war between Japan and the Allied Powers. This treaty, also known as the Treaty of Peace with Japan, saw Japan renouncing claims to Korea and territories in the Pacific. It effectively restored Japan's sovereignty and was considered a step toward reconciliation after World War II.

20januari
1953
20 January 1953

End of Truman's Presidency

On January 20, 1953, Harry S. Truman's presidency came to an end with the inauguration of his successor Dwight D. Eisenhower. Truman left office with a mixed legacy, having navigated the end of World War II, the start of the Cold War, and the Korean War. His domestic policies, later known as the Fair Deal, had mixed success, facing opposition in Congress and setting a foundation for subsequent reforms.

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