Harry S. Truman

Harry S. Truman was born on May 8, 1884.

Harry and Bess got married on June 28 at Trinity Episcopal in Independence, Missouri.

Harry Truman is elected to the U.S. Senate in 1934. In 1940, while Senator, Truman heads a committee to investigate wartime expenses and saves the federal government millions of dollars.

Truman gained national prominence as chairman of the Senate Special Committee to Investigate the National Defense Program, which came to be called the Truman Committee.

In 1943, Senator Truman's leadership as chairman of the Truman Committee led to the exposure of fraud and mismanagement of military funds, earning him recognition with his first appearance on the cover of TIME Magazine.

Harry S Truman became the 33rd President of the United States in 1945 after the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. His presidency saw the end of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War.

Harry S. Truman became the President of the United States on April 12, 1945, following the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

On May 14, 1945, Harry S. Truman provided de facto recognition to the new state of Israel, marking a significant event in the history of Israel's establishment.

President Truman makes the decision to use the atomic bomb against Japan, leading to the end of World War II. This significant event had a profound impact on global history and the future of warfare.

Following the bombing of Hiroshima, President Truman ordered the dropping of a second atomic bomb on the city of Nagasaki, Japan, leading to further devastation and ultimately prompting the Japanese surrender. This event had a profound impact on the conclusion of World War II.

President Truman presents Congress with his 21-point plan for Reconversion, outlining the post-war economic strategy.

President Harry S. Truman appeared before Congress to request military aid for Greece and Turkey, framing the United States' involvement as an ideological conflict with the Soviet Union. He proclaimed the policy of supporting free peoples resisting subjugation by armed minorities or outside pressures.

President Truman signs the 'Truman Doctrine' which provided financial aid to Greece and Turkey, aiming to prevent the spread of communism in the region.

On June 29, 1947, Harry S. Truman became the first president to address the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, emphasizing the importance of advancing civil rights.

Truman's recognition of Israel in May 1948 demonstrated his support for democracy and commitment to a homeland for the Jewish people.

After years of deliberation with Palestine, the United States officially recognizes the State of Israel. This recognition coincides with the declaration of the new state by Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion on the same day.

After the Soviets began the blockade of Berlin, President Harry S. Truman made the decision that the United States would 'stay in Berlin' and not concede the city as part of the Soviet sphere of influence. He rejected proposals to send a military convoy through the Soviet zone to Berlin, and instead chose to maintain the airlift to supply the city without initiating war. The crisis over Berlin demonstrated a high point in the tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union.

President Truman signs an executive order to desegregate the Armed Forces, marking a significant step towards ending racial discrimination in the military.

President Truman wins the presidential election, securing 49.5% of the popular vote and 57.1% of the electoral vote, defeating New York Governor Thomas E. Dewey. Despite challenges, Truman's victory is solid, including winning traditionally Democratic southern states.

The Fourth Annual State of the Union Message was delivered, emphasizing the concept of the 'Fair Deal' and setting forth a list of domestic demands. This message had a notable impact on the domestic policy of the United States.

President Truman is inaugurated for his second term and introduces the Point IV Program in his inaugural address, emphasizing the need for a new program to assist underprivileged people around the world.

Twelve nations from Europe and North America signed the North Atlantic Treaty, which was aimed at establishing a mutual defense alliance and promoting stability in the region.

The North Atlantic Treaty was signed, establishing trade agreements between 12 countries in Europe and North America, leading to the formation of NATO. This aligned with the principles of the United Nations Charter, emphasizing the importance of global goodwill and economic openness.

The Soviet Union lifted the blockade of Berlin, easing tensions and allowing for the resumption of essential supplies to the city.

On August 10, 1949, the National Security Act Amendment was signed, leading to the establishment of a unified Department of Defense.

On September 23, 1949, Harry S. Truman announced that an atomic explosion had occurred in the Soviet Union in recent weeks, implying that the United States no longer had a monopoly on nuclear weapons. It was later revealed that the explosion had taken place on August 29, 1949.

On January 31, 1950, the President revealed that he had ordered the Atomic Energy Commission to develop the hydrogen bomb.

The United States announces the commencement of the development of the hydrogen bomb, a significant advancement in nuclear weapons technology.

When North Korea invaded South Korea in June 1950, Truman responded by waging undeclared war.

On June 26, 1950, the President ordered U.S. air and sea forces to aid South Korean Troops in resisting the Communist forces of North Korea, which had invaded South Korea the day before.

On June 30, 1950, the President announced that he had ordered American ground forces in Japan to Korea and the navy to blockade the Korean coast. This policy was backed by the U.N. Security Council, and General Douglas MacArthur was put in charge of all U.N. troops in the area.

President Truman dismisses General MacArthur from his command for insubordination.

On October 24, 1951, it was proclaimed that the state of war with Germany officially ended as of October 19. This marked an important milestone in the post-war period.

On March 29, 1952, President Truman announced that he would not seek reelection, citing his long and efficient service to the country.

President Truman issued an executive order on April 8, 1952, to seize control of steel mills, expanding the executive branch's power to prevent a national emergency due to a potential strike.

Harry S. Truman signed the ratification of the peace treaty with Japan and defense treaties with Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines, marking an important diplomatic achievement.

Harry and Bess tour Europe, meeting with a number of European leaders, including Winston Churchill and Pope Pius XII. Truman receives numerous honors, including an honorary degree from Oxford University.

The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum opened its doors in 1957, and recently completed a massive renovation of the museum and its exhibitions, the first major renovation in more than 20 years.

Truman becomes the first former president to address the U.S. Senate while it is in formal session, and he is honored by the Senate on his 80th birthday.

Truman makes his last appearance as a speaker at the eighth annual July 4th celebration on the Truman Library grounds on July 4, 1966.

Harry S. Truman passes away at the age of 88 on December 26, 1972.