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Harry S. Truman

Definition

Harry S. Truman was the 33rd president of the United States, serving from 1945 to 1953. He assumed office after the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and is known for ending World War II by authorizing the use of atomic bombs on Japan.

Analogy

Think of Harry S. Truman as a substitute teacher who suddenly has to take over the class when the main teacher (FDR) unexpectedly leaves (dies). This substitute teacher makes a controversial decision (dropping atomic bombs) that ends a major school conflict (World War II).

Related terms

Presidential Succession: The order in which officials fill the office of president in case of a vacancy. Truman became president because he was vice-president when FDR died.

Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: These are two Japanese cities on which Truman authorized dropping atomic bombs in August 1945, leading to Japan's surrender and end of World War II.

Cold War: A period of geopolitical tension between powers in the Eastern Bloc (the Soviet Union and its satellite states) and powers in the Western Bloc (the United States, its NATO allies and others). Truman's presidency marked the start of this era.