Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) · CatalogHarry S. TrumanHarry S. Truman; Harry S Truman; HarrySTrumanHarry S. Truman (1884-1972) · CatalogThirty-third President; finished World War II and framed early Cold War policy.
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Harry S. Truman
1884-1972 · Thirty-third President; finished World War II and framed early Cold War policy
About Harry S. Truman
Harry S. Truman (1884–1972), a Missouri farmer, artillery captain in the First World War, county judge, and senator, became President on Franklin Roosevelt's death in April 1945. He decided to use the atomic bomb, oversaw the end of the war, and began the policy of containing Soviet power. Nearly every forecast had him losing the 1948 election to Thomas Dewey; this address opened the full term he won.
Truman's only inaugural address was delivered on 20 January 1949 from the east front of the Capitol, ten weeks after an election almost everyone had expected him to lose. He does not mention the campaign.