Truman, Harry (Administration)

Harry Truman’s administration lasted from 1945 to 1953. Truman, a Democrat who was serving as vice president, became president on April 12, 1945, following Franklin Roosevelt’s sudden death. Prior to becoming vice president, Truman represented the state of Missouri in the U.S. Senate. As senator, he became well known for heading the Truman Commission, which investigated waste, fraud, and corruption in government contracts for materials and supplies used for World War II. After completing Roosevelt’s term, Truman was narrowly elected to the presidency in 1948. Although he faced opposition from a Congress that was dominated by conservative southern interests, Truman attempted to move toward a system of national health care, and took action to address civil rights issues. Although Theodore Roosevelt had been the first ...