As a lover of history and a student double-majoring in international affairs and history with an emphasis on the Cold War, I was extremely curious about President Harry S. Truman. The Cold War began during his term as President, and I have long contended that it was not an accident or an unfortunate occurrence, but rather exactly what he hoped would occur. Why, you may ask? Well, after two world wars in just over twenty years, he helped establish a World Order in which the only wars to occur for over fifty years were limited to just specific areas while the bipolar system created stability in the chaotic world.
David McCullough's wonderful book Truman exposed me to many of the ideas and beliefs that shaped the Truman Administration as well as provided a fantastic look at the life of a great President. While many people claim that his predecessor, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, was the greatest President of the 20th century, this book only reinforced my belief that his successor was a man of equal strength and wisdom and who provided even more leadership in the world. While FDR was known for being distant and for sending out mixed messages about his intentions, Truman was frank about his beliefs and willing to stand up for them in the face of criticism.
The first half of the book provides a look at Truman's life as a soldier, clothing salesman and farmer while painting an idyllic picture of small-town American in its descriptions of his hometown of Independence, Missouri. However, the story really picks up when it delves into the world of political bosses and explained how Truman was able to first become elected to a public position. While Truman was more grateful for the support provided by the Pendergast family (the political boss of Kansas City), he also showed his integrity by ignoring requests that specific concessions be made or certain companies receive special treatment from him while serving as judge of the eastern half of Jackson County.
That position served as a springboard that propelled him to Senator and Vice President. His political colleagues were very fond of Truman, as he never seemed to cause a commotion because of his nature. Instead, of speaking just to hear himself, Truman actually wanted to gather as much information as possible before making decisions. In this way, he impressed people by providing an open ear to hear their stories. The creation of the Truman Committee during World War II really identified him as an important Senator. His committee traveled the nation investigating the contracts being issued in the armament process in the hopes of saving money and creating more productive ways to manufacture the weapons needed to fight the war.
After becoming Vice President, Truman spent his time serving as President of the Senate for a few months until the fateful day when FDR passed away. Truman was wholly unprepared to lead the country, especially in a time of war, but he gathered himself together and listened to as many advisers as he could find. While his decision-making style frustrated many men left over from FDR's administration, it was the only way for him to succeed. Given his lack of preparation, it would have been disastrous if he had made all of the important decisions facing him (such as whether to go meet Stalin and Churchill at Potsdam or whether to drop the atomic bomb in Japan) without gathered all of the available information.
The world after World War II was unlike any other time on earth. All of the traditional powers were bankrupt, defeated and tired while the United States and Soviet Union emerged as forces to control the political system. Rather than confront the Soviets about Eastern European problems, Truman allowed Stalin to have his way because he recognized the US public would never understand or support a war against a country with which they had been allied just months before. In this way, the Cold War began to develop and finally culminated with the Marshall Plan.
Secretary of State George Marshall proposed massive funding to the European nations that were on the verge of bankruptcy. Communists within these states were just waiting to pounce on the troubled times, but Truman was able to convince Congress and the public that the United States needed a stable and productive Europe. Stalin's refusal to allow the Soviets or any other eastern bloc nation to accept funds finally pulled the fissure out into the open for the whole world to see. From this point, it was only a matter of time until the two world powers were in a direct confrontation.
The American public often forgets the Korean War as it was sandwiched between the successes of World War II and the failures of Vietnam. However, it hovered over Truman's second term and influenced every decision that was made. His public dismissal of General MacArthur caused a sensation back in the US, but Truman was willing to accept a limited war while MacArthur still wanted to fight a total war like in WWII. The failure of Adlai Stevenson to win the Presidency against Dwight D. Eisenhower disappointed Truman, but not nearly as much as Eisenhower's unwillingness to make any public gestures towards the former President. As Eisenhower tried to distance himself from Truman, Harry was angered that a man he considered a friend would betray him simply because of party lines.
Finally, this book was absolutely amazing. I learned everything I could have asked about President Truman and more. Whether it was his love of automobiles and traveling, or his fear that MacArthur would run for President against him in 1948, every aspect of Truman's life is covered in interesting details. McCullough's lyrical wording makes the story even more engaging and a true joy to all interested in American history.