Harry Truman was born in Lamar, Missouri in 1884, and spent his years as a young
man farming. He served in World War I, and afterward was a store owner in
Kansas City. In 1934 he was elected to the U.S. Senate as a
Democrat. During World War II he made a name for himself investigating
wartime waste and corruption, and he was elected Vice-President in 1944 under
Franklin Roosevelt. He became President after Roosevelt died in April,
1945. As President Truman presided over the end of the war, including the
dropping of two atomic bombs on Japan. After the war, Truman became a
strong proponent of Communist containment, declaring assistance to any country
seeking to resist communism. He also oversaw the Marshall Plan, a
multi-billion dollar aid package for war-ravaged Europe. Domestically, he
sought to expand the New Deal, which was the bold economic program initiated by
his predecessor in the 1930's. Truman was re-elected in 1948, but chose
not to run in 1952. He died in 1972.
Online Truman Resources:
Buck Stopper: Harry S. Truman - This site contains an extensive Truman biography as well as Truman links.
Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Truman - An online essay which analyses the decision to use Atomic weapons on Japan.
Harry S Truman Library & Museum - This is the official website of the Truman Library, and it contains a weath of Truman resources of all types.
Harry S. Truman Museum - This is the webpage of the Truman museum in Key West, Florida.
Harry S. Truman National Historic Site - Official site of the Truman home, which is managed by the National Park Service.
Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation - Contains information on the Truman scholarship.
Project
Whistlestop - This is a well-designed website which contains a wealth of
Truman information including photos, cartoons, official and personal letters,
and much more. It is aimed primarily for use in the classroom.