Harry Truman: The Atomic

We are discussing Harry S. Truman today. Just a few weeks before the end of World War II in Europe, in 1945, he was sworn in as president of the United States. Following Franklin Roosevelt’s abrupt death from a brain hemorrhage, Harry S. Truman assumed administration. Twelve years had passed since Roosevelt took office. However, Truman was a novice in the role of vice president. Roosevelt had already appointed two other persons to the position. Less than three months after taking office as vice president, on April 12, 1945, Truman received a call to the White House. Eleanor, the wife of Roosevelt, informed Truman of her husband’s passing there. Truman took office and was sworn in shortly after.

A covert project involving American scientists was disclosed to Truman by the secretary of war shortly after the ceremony. They were constructing an enormously damaging atomic weapon. Historians disagree as to whether Truman was unaware of the initiative beforehand or if the knowledge came as a total surprise. The weapon, which he referred to as “the most terrible bomb in the history of the world,” faced a decision from the incoming president. Harry Truman was raised in modest circumstances. Missouri is the place of his birth. Within the town of Independence resided he, his parents, a brother, and a sister.

Harry Truman assisted his father on the family farm as a young lad, but he disliked the labor. Additionally, Truman’s poor vision prevented him from participating in sports; since childhood, he had worn spectacles. He so became interested in music and reading. He had a particularly skilled piano playing. Even though Truman fared well academically, his parents were unable to afford to send him to a four-year university. Rather, Truman held a variety of positions, such as partner in an oil business, operator of a mining firm, and bank clerk.

Truman made the decision to rejoin the National Guard after America entered World War I. Truman was promoted to captain and his guard unit joined the American Army. Truman had genuine success in the armed forces. He led and served as a skilled soldier, engaging in combat with his soldiers. Truman retained the sense of self-assurance and the relationships he had built with fellow soldiers after the war. Getting married was one of Truman’s first actions following the war. His hometown woman was the one he married. They had a long-standing romantic relationship. Elizabeth Wallace was her name, but everyone called her Bess. Over fifty years of happy marriage were spent by the Trumans.

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