1. Harry S. Truman 33rd President 1945-1953

2. Born May 8, 1884 • Died December 26, 1972 • Party Affiliation: Democrat • Wife: Bess Wallace Truman • Children: Margaret • Home State: Missouri Basics

3. Little known successor to a legendary President • Confronted with the tasks of: • Concluding the war • Shaping Europe’s future • Completing final preparations for a struggle to defeat Japan • Satisfying a restless group of people who are tired of war Challenges

4. Reelected in 1948 in the most stunning upset in Presidential history • Chose not to run in 1952 • Left office with only 31% of the public supporting him • Not until the 1970’s did his reputation improve Popularity

5. The Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, and NATO largely restored Western European stability • Truman left the US safer, more secure, and far more prosperous than he inherited it. • The Times Rank him in the Top 10 at #7. • Among US polls, Truman ranks anywhere from 7th to 9th (in 1962) Legacy