Harry Truman

Worksheet Description

Let’s travel back in time and meet Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States. When you think about presidents making big decisions, Truman is definitely one of them. He became president during some challenging times, but he always tried to do what he thought was best for the country.

When Truman became president in 1945, it was a surprise to many, including himself! He had to fill the big shoes of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was very loved by the people. Truman’s start as president was during the end of World War II, a significant and challenging war that involved many countries.

One of the toughest decisions Truman made was to end the war by using two atomic bombs on Japan. It was a hard choice, but Truman hoped it would save many lives by ending the war quickly. And it did end the war, but it also caused a lot of sadness and damage.

After the war, Truman wanted to help countries in Europe rebuild and be strong again. He supported the Marshall Plan, which gave money and help to these countries. This plan showed that the United States cared about its friends and wanted peace in the world.

Back at home, Truman worked on what he called the “Fair Deal.” He believed that all Americans, no matter where they came from, deserved a fair chance to succeed. He worked on making laws that helped workers, improved schools, and made sure people could see a doctor when they were sick.