1945: Truman

January 1, 1945, it was thought of as just a typical Monday, beginning a new year. Unaware, the citizens of the world were in for an eventful 365 days. The year of 1945 was not just any ordinary year. Whether it was Liberation of Auchwitz by Soviet Forces, the dropping of the Atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki or something as simple as the Detroit Tigers beating the Chicago Cubs in the World Series, things happened in 1945. It’s that simple. In my opinion the most impacting event in 1945 would be Truman approving to drop the atomic bombs on Japan. I think that this event really changed the way other countries viewed the United States in the past and present.

Serving four terms in office, which is still exclusive to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, FDR served a very efficient presidency and unfortunately it had come to an end, due to death. FDR is responsible for helping our nation overcome some of its toughest struggles. By creating the “New Deal” our country was able to prevail through the Great Depression and establish the United Nations, which still keeps our nations intact today. Having some big shoes to fill, it was now time for someone to replace Roosevelt.

The thirty-third presidency had now taken effect. Native to Lamar, Missouri, Harry S. Truman confidently took over FDR’s presidency. Truman was well aware of the role he was about to assume. The Americans having no idea what to expect, had some changes on the way.

Truman began his presidency with the conclusion of World War II, which had ended smoothly and to according to plan. Now that the war was in the past, it was now time to better the country for the future. He knew what the country would need to better itself and planned to take every step possible. Truman titled his first year of presidency the “Year of Decisions”.

“The Buck Stops Here”, the quote that was printed on a wooden sign that sat on Truman’s desk in the White House. This saying has a very important meaning, especially to a president or person of high authority. This quote means that a decision must be made at this point and it cannot be passed on to anyone else. Truman had a great attitude towards his job and wasn’t afraid of making decisions, bettering the United States was Truman’s goal.

Harry S. Truman proved that he wasn’t afraid to make challenging decisions throughout his presidency but especially on the 6^th and 9^th days of August 1945. With Truman’s approval, The United States dropped two atomic bombs, one named “Little Boy” and the other “Fat Man” on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. There were many reasons for this attack on Japan, but the main goal of the United States was to end the Pacific War. The Pacific War had ended which also resulted in the official ending of World War II.

Making the choice to drop the atomic bombs on Japan was a great decision in my opinion. I think doing this changed the enemies’ viewpoints of our country. Truman proved that we were serious and that our capabilities were threatening. This instilled a fear of the Red, White and Blue. Many allies were gained due to this fear, which strengthened our country for the present and future.