A Presidency Forged by Decisions

Truman

This flow follows the choices through which Truman established authority and defined his presidency.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Unprepared Succession Unprepared Succession from "Truman". Unprepared Succession Sudden Office Truman learned that Franklin D. Roosevelt had died and took the presidential oath that evening.

Unprepared Succession from "Truman". Unprepared Succession Sudden Office Truman learned that Franklin D. Roosevelt had died and took the presidential oath that evening.

Unprepared Succession Sudden Office Truman learned that Franklin D. Roosevelt had died and took the presidential oath that evening. He asked for help, while accepting that final decisions were now his. First Test His address to Congress reassured many listeners that he would continue the war and Roosevelt’s broad commitments.

Learning the World Learning the World from "Truman". Learning the World Briefings Truman quickly studied diplomatic reports and met Soviet officials, learning that wartime agreements did not guarantee…

Learning the World from "Truman". Learning the World Briefings Truman quickly studied diplomatic reports and met Soviet officials, learning that wartime agreements did not guarantee…

Learning the World Briefings Truman quickly studied diplomatic reports and met Soviet officials, learning that wartime agreements did not guarantee cooperation. He pressed for clarity on Poland and Eastern Europe. Consequence His direct style helped establish his authority, though he still hoped personal diplomacy could secure agreement.

The Nuclear Decision The Nuclear Decision from "Truman". The Nuclear Decision New Weapon Henry L. Stimson informed Truman of the atomic project shortly after the President entered office.

The Nuclear Decision from "Truman". The Nuclear Decision New Weapon Henry L. Stimson informed Truman of the atomic project shortly after the President entered office.

The Nuclear Decision New Weapon Henry L. Stimson informed Truman of the atomic project shortly after the President entered office. Reports of its successful test arrived at Potsdam. Responsibility Truman authorized its use against Japan, believing it could end the war and avoid an invasion. The decision opened a new and frightening era.

Postwar Confrontation Postwar Confrontation from "Truman". Postwar Confrontation Worsening Relations Disputes over Eastern Europe, especially Poland, challenged Truman’s hopes for cooperation with Joseph Stalin.

Postwar Confrontation from "Truman". Postwar Confrontation Worsening Relations Disputes over Eastern Europe, especially Poland, challenged Truman’s hopes for cooperation with Joseph Stalin.

Postwar Confrontation Worsening Relations Disputes over Eastern Europe, especially Poland, challenged Truman’s hopes for cooperation with Joseph Stalin. Reports from diplomats increasingly described Soviet coercion. Policy Shift The administration moved toward resisting Soviet expansion, a change made explicit in Truman’s address requesting aid for Greece and Turkey.

A Wider Commitment A Wider Commitment from "Truman". A Wider Commitment Recovery and Alliance Truman supported European recovery, the North Atlantic Treaty, and a larger American role in defending free…

A Wider Commitment from "Truman". A Wider Commitment Recovery and Alliance Truman supported European recovery, the North Atlantic Treaty, and a larger American role in defending free…

A Wider Commitment Recovery and Alliance Truman supported European recovery, the North Atlantic Treaty, and a larger American role in defending free governments. These policies required cooperation across party lines. Significance The presidency he had entered unprepared became central to the emerging international order.

April 12–16, 1945

April–July 1945

April–August 1945

1945–1947

1947–1949