Truman

Chapter 9 examines the first months of the Truman presidency between Roosevelt’s death in April and the Potsdam Conference in July 1945. This period brought victory in Europe and set the tone for Truman’s leadership for the rest of the war. McCullough shows how Truman had to adjust to the circumstances in which he found himself. The Truman family also moved to the White House.

When Roosevelt died on April 12, the Allies were a month away from complete victory in Europe. In the first days, McCullough says, Truman looked “absolutely dazed,” while Bess “had been crying almost from the moment she heard the news” (422). Two hours after Roosevelt’s death, Truman was sworn in as President. The reaction of the public and that of Truman’s colleagues was mixed. Some argued that Truman was inadequate for the job. Others argued that he was honest and had common sense. His first speech to Congress asked the nation to stay united and defend its ideals. In the first weeks, Truman was preoccupied with the war and questions of foreign policy.

When Truman took over, American casualties were close to 900,000, and their lives were now his responsibility.