The Story of Harry S. Truman

From the 1991 series "Famous Americans of the 20th Century," produced by Hearst Entertainment and distributed by Questar Video, Inc. ISBN 0-927992-47-7 From the box: "Narrated by Louis Nizer, well-known lawyer and author who witnessed the 'Truman years.' This is the story of the "Truman years" and the critical "days of decision." Harry S. Truman was born on May 8, 1884, and grew up in Independence, Missouri. After high school, Truman held various jobs, but returned to help his father run the family farm. When America entered World War I, Truman was promoted to Captain, and his unit saw action in France. In 1919, Truman married Bess Wallace. They had only one child, Mary Margaret. Truman entered politics in 1922 as an elected judge. He remained in local politics until 1934, when he was elected to the United States Senate. In July 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt selected him as his Vice President. After FDR's unexpected death on April 12, 1945, Truman became the 33rd President of the U.S. He immediately oversaw the end of World War II in Europe. He participated in the conference at Potsdam, Germany. To save an estimated 300,000 American lives in the Pacific War, Truman approved the dropping of two atomic bombs on Japan, August 6 and 9, 1945. Japan surrendered on August 14. Following the war, the Soviet Union pursued world expansion. Truman's foreign policy was designed to prevent growing Soviet influence. The "Truman Doctrine," NATO, and the Marshall Plan were Truman's barrier to Soviet world domination. In 1948, Truman won re-election. His famous "whistle stop" tour became political folklore. When North Korea invaded South Korea in June, 1950, Truman responded by waging undeclared war. Called a "police action," 50,000 American casualties were suffered in just a few years. Truman selected General Douglas A. MacArthur to command the U.N. Security force. When Truman thought MacArthur had gone too far, jeopardizing world peace, he relieved the General of his command. Domestically the Truman administration went beyond the New Deal in the area of civil right. He desegregated the Armed Forces and forbade racial discrimination in federal employment. He also established a civil rights committee and encouraged fighting against segregation. Truman left the presidency and returned to Independence in 1953. Harry S. Truman died on December 26, 1972."