American History Hit: President Harry Truman – From Farm to Oval Office and the Atom Bomb

Released on February 27, 2025

In this compelling episode of American History Hit, host Don Wildman delves deep into the life and presidency of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States. Joined by Mark Adams, Director of The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, the discussion navigates Truman's humble beginnings, his unexpected rise to the presidency, and the monumental decisions that shaped the modern era.

1. Humble Beginnings and Early Life

The episode opens with Don Wildman highlighting Truman's modest origins, contrasting them with the aristocratic backgrounds of his contemporaries like Franklin Roosevelt. Born into a farming family in Lamar, Missouri, Truman's early life was far removed from the corridors of power. As Wildman narrates, “this son of a Missouri farmer, this college dropout and failed haberdasher, this every man American plucked from the masses, would then be held aloft by history, suddenly named the 33rd President of the United States” (00:03).

Mark Adams expands on Truman's upbringing, explaining that despite working on the family farm until his thirties, Truman had aspirations beyond agriculture. His nickname "the boy from Independence" underscores his connection to Missouri and his everyman appeal. The conversation touches on Truman's lack of a college education, a rarity among U.S. Presidents, and his early career struggles, including his failed haberdashery business.

2. Military Service and Entry into Politics

Truman's military service during World War I is portrayed as a transformative experience that honed his leadership skills. Adams notes, “He became a very talented artilleryman in the infantry and served in France with much distinction” (06:17). This period not only built Truman's confidence but also established a network of veterans who would later support his political ambitions.

After returning from the war, Truman attempted to break away from farming by starting a haberdashery with an army buddy. However, economic downturns led to the business's failure, pushing Truman towards politics. His entry was facilitated by the influential Pendergast political machine in Kansas City, highlighting the critical role of political patronage in his rise (07:43).

3. Unexpected Vice Presidency and the Sudden Presidency

The 1944 Democratic National Convention serves as a pivotal moment in Truman's life. Wildman recounts the iconic photograph of Truman being nominated as Roosevelt's vice president, capturing his initial surprise and the rapid escalation from a concession line to the national stage (00:03, 04:50). Adams explains that Truman was a last-minute choice to balance the ticket, replacing Henry Wallace, who was perceived as too left-leaning.

Truman’s vice presidency was marked by minimal interaction with Roosevelt, who kept a tight inner circle. As Adams states, “FDR's style was to have a very small inner circle of advisors. Truman was not one of those” (12:18). This lack of preparation left Truman unprepared for Roosevelt's sudden death on April 12, 1945. The dramatic moment when Truman learned he was president, captured in vivid detail by Wildman, underscores the abruptness of his ascendancy (13:13).

4. Handling the End of World War II and the Atomic Bomb

Truman's presidency was thrust into the global spotlight amidst the concluding stages of World War II. Adams highlights Truman's strategic decisions at the Potsdam Conference, where he grappled with Stalin and Churchill, laying the groundwork for the Cold War (21:36). One of Truman’s most consequential decisions was the authorization to use atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As Adams articulates, “He wanted to end the war as quickly as possible, to save American lives” (24:58).

Wildman emphasizes Truman's awareness of the bomb's devastating potential, quoting Truman’s journal: “We have discovered the most terrible bomb in the history of the world” (26:00). Adams adds that Truman's decision to place control of the atomic bomb solely in the President’s hands was a significant legacy, ensuring civilian oversight over nuclear weapons.

5. The Fair Deal and Domestic Reforms

Transitioning to domestic policy, Truman introduced the "Fair Deal," an ambitious set of proposals aimed at expanding the New Deal. Adams explains that although many initiatives were too ambitious for Congress, the Fair Deal laid the foundation for future legislation, including Lyndon Johnson's Medicare (19:50). Truman's commitment to social reforms extended to civil rights, where he took bold steps to desegregate the military and federal workforce through Executive Orders 9981 and 9980 (40:59).

Wildman and Adams discuss how Truman's civil rights initiatives were pioneering, challenging entrenched segregationist norms. Adams notes, “Truman is squarely in the middle of that timeline” (38:48), linking his actions to the broader Civil Rights Movement that would gain momentum in the subsequent decades.

6. The 1948 Election and Political Resilience

Despite significant challenges, including a split Democratic Party, Truman orchestrated one of the greatest election upsets in U.S. history. Wildman references the famous "Dewey Defeats Truman" headline, underscoring the disbelief at Truman's victory (00:03). Adams attributes Truman’s success to his focused campaign against the “do nothing Congress” and his relentless whistle-stop tour, which resonated with a wary electorate seeking effective leadership (43:01).

7. The Berlin Airlift and the Truman Doctrine

Post-election, Truman's administration faced the Soviet blockade of Berlin, leading to the historic Berlin Airlift. Adams describes it as “the largest humanitarian effort in world history at that time” (32:49). This decisive action not only alleviated the immediate crisis but also solidified the U.S. commitment to containment, a cornerstone of Truman’s foreign policy known as the Truman Doctrine. The episode details how these strategies laid the groundwork for NATO, the Marshall Plan, and the broader Cold War dynamics that defined mid-20th-century geopolitics (34:40).

8. Legacy and Reevaluation

Concluding the episode, Wildman and Adams reflect on Truman's enduring legacy. Despite initial unpopularity, particularly due to the Korean War, Truman's stature among historians has grown significantly. Adams attributes this resurgence to later biographical works and historical reassessments that recognize Truman’s pivotal role in shaping modern America (45:27).

Wildman poignantly remarks on the often-overlooked aspects of Truman’s presidency, emphasizing his unwavering moral compass and the profound impact of his decisions on subsequent generations. The episode closes with a heartfelt tribute to Truman’s leadership and an invitation to listeners to explore the Truman Library for a more comprehensive understanding of his contributions (47:42).

Notable Quotes

• Truman on the unexpected vice presidency: “By golly, that's me,” capturing his genuine surprise at being nominated (00:03).
• Adams on Truman's transformation: “It really changes him. It really does change him” (06:27).
• Truman’s journal on the atomic bomb: “We have discovered the most terrible bomb in the history of the world” (26:00).
• Adams on Truman's legacy: “He’s the shining light of that” reflecting on Truman’s resurgence in historical rankings (47:06).

Conclusion

This episode of American History Hit paints a detailed portrait of Harry S. Truman, highlighting his remarkable journey from a Missouri farmer to a pivotal figure in global history. Through insightful discussions and compelling narratives, Don Wildman and Mark Adams illuminate the complexities and triumphs of Truman's presidency, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of a leader who navigated some of the most critical moments of the 20th century.

For those eager to explore further, visiting The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri, is highly recommended to witness firsthand the artifacts and stories that shaped Truman's enduring legacy.