On June 28, 1919, Truman married Bess Wallace. They had known each other since they were children. On February 17, 1924 Harry's only daughter, Mary Margaret, was born. From 1919 through 1922 he ran a mens clothing store in Kansas city with his wartime friend, Eddy Jacobson. The store eventually struggled to stay open and Truman narrowly avoided a bankruptcy. Only through a period of years did he finally pay off his stores debts.
In 1922, Harry was elected to be one of the judges of the Jackson County Court. He built a reputation for honesty and efficiency in the management of county affairs. He failed to be reelected in 1924. He then later won reelection in 1930. In 1934, Truman was elected United States Senate. He helped pass the law of the Civil Aeronautics Act in 1938 and the Transportation Act of 1940. He was reelected in 1940. Truman gained eminence as chairman of the Senate Special Committee to Investigate the National Defense Program. The Truman Committee sought with significant success to ensure that defense contractors delivered the nation quality goods at fair prices. In 1944, Truman ran for Vice President with Franklin D. Roosevelt. On January 20th 1945, Harry pledged in with the Vice-Presidential oath. Eighty two days later, President Franklin D. Roosevelt unexpectedly passed away and Truman is left with the country in his hands. He swears in as President on April 12th 1945. Our thirty third president has come to be. |
Harry S. Truman and his love Bess Wallace.
President Truman announcing the atomic bombing on Hiroshima.
"The only thing new in this world is the history you don't know." - Harry S. Truman
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Harry's first year was later called "The Year of Decisions." Truman was the one who approved on dropping two atomic bombs in Japan on August 6th and 9th of 1945. The Japanese surrendered on August 14th. Truman also saw to the funding of the United Nations and created a rather tense and confidential relationship with the Soviet Union.
"Truman's presidency was marked by important foreign policy initiatives." <Harry S. Truman Biographical Sketch, Harry S. Truman Library and Museum.> Truman undertook foreign policy in his desire to prohibit the expansion of Soviet Union influence. "The Truman Doctrine" was a affirmation of America's willingness of providing military aid to other countries resisting communist dissent. Truman's recognition of Israel in May 1948 exhibited his support for democracy and a commitment to a "homeland for the Jewish people." Truman was reelected in 1948. He later left the Presidency and retired in January 1953. He spent his time reading, writing, lecturing and taking nice long walks. He particularly took interest in funding his library. THe library made copies of his official and unofficial papers available and open to scholars. The library gave a glimpse of his life and his career. Harry S. Truman died on December 26, 1972 at the age of 88. His wife Bess Wallace later died on October 18, 1982. They are both buried side by side at The Truman Library courtyard. |
Page Written and Edited by Valerie Fong.