Harry S. Truman's Contribution To World War II

Harry S. Truman was the 33rd president of the United States (1884-1972) after the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt. He served his terms as president from 1945-1953 during WWII. Truman contributed to WWII by assisting in making the decision to use the atomic bomb on Japan, he also helped rebuild postwar Europe, and worked to contain communism.

The Atomic bomb that was launched on Hiroshima (August 6, 1945) and Nagasaki (August 9, 1945) was approved by Truman, he hoped that by nuking Japan it would prevent casualties for the U.S and prevent a Japanese invasion. Japan announced their surrender on August 14, 1945. This decision made by Truman is one of the most controversial decisions made by any president, and Japan still suffers from it to this

very day.

Truman helped Europe by enforcing The Marshall Plan which gave billions of dollars to help aid economic recovery. In 1947 he introduced the Truman Doctrine to aid Greece and Turkey in trying to protect them from the communist’s aggression. And in 1948 he sent food and other supplies on a airlift to the western-held sections to Berlin, Germany that were blockaded by the Soviets.

He helped contain Communism by defending occupied countries. In June, 1950, Communist’s from North Korea invaded South Korea in attempt to take it over. Truman sent planes, soldiers, and ships to aid South Korea. This decision had made Truman very unpopular but had resulted in preserving South Korea’s freedom from communism. He aided many other countries to stop the aggression of communism.

Truman’s contributions to WWII helped other countries including our own tremendously. Not only did he stop Japan from invading, but he helped out European countries and stopped communism from spreading too far. He did a lot in WWII and helped many people. Truman was a great leader and asset to WWII.