How to Research Harry S Truman

Harry S Truman was the 33rd president of the United States and succeeded to the presidency when Franklin D. Roosevelt died in office. Truman was the man who ordered US troops to drop the atomic bomb on Japan, a controversial decision to this day. He narrowly defeated Thomas Dewey in the 1948 election. Follow these steps to learn more about him.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet
• Books about the presidents
• Books about American history

1. Search government and history websites and books to learn about the best-known aspect of Harry S Truman--he ended World War II by authorizing the use of the atomic bomb on Japan.
2. Study his biographies to learn how he worked as a farmer, rose to the rank of major in World War I and went into business after the war. Explore how he became known as a man of integrity in political service as an administrator and presiding judge of Jackson County, Kansas; as a U.S. senator and as vice president. Understand why he earned a reputation for honesty as the head of the Senate committee that investigated spending in World War II.
3. Look for information on how the goal of the Truman Doctrine was to aid nations threatened by a Communist takeover. Also look at how he brought this about with his strong commitment to NATO and the Marshall Plan.
4. Study important legislation passed during Truman's presidency such as the Marshall Plan, which outlined the rebuilding of Europe after World War II; the Taft-Hartley Act, curbing labor rights on strikes that threatened national security; and the 22nd Amendment which limited presidents to two consecutive terms of service.
5. Examine other significant events in Truman's presidency such as the end of World War II. Learn about the first detonation of the atomic and hydrogen bombs. Also worthy of study is the start of the Korean War, which marked the first UN peacekeeping effort, and the creation of the United Nations.