Harry Truman: Dropping Bombs (1945 – 1953)

Harry Truman became president after FDR's death, leading the U.S. through the end of WWII and the start of the Cold War. He made controversial decisions like using atomic bombs on Japan and established the Truman Doctrine to counter Soviet influence. Domestically, he faced opposition but pushed for civil rights and the Fair Deal. His presidency saw the Korean War and the rise of McCarthyism. Despite low approval ratings, Truman is now regarded as a decisive leader.

What major international plan did Truman launch to help rebuild Europe after World War II?

• The NATO Initiative

• The New Deal

• The Marshall Plan

• The Truman Doctrine

Where was Harry Truman born?

• Independence, Missouri

• Lamar, Missouri

• St. Louis, Missouri

• Kansas City, Missouri

What was the primary goal of the Truman Doctrine?

• To establish the United Nations

• To end World War II

• To contain Soviet expansion

• To promote global trade

Which organization was created under Truman to provide mutual defense against the Soviet threat?

• The League of Nations

• The Warsaw Pact

• The United Nations

• NATO

What was the outcome of Truman's 1948 presidential campaign?

• He won in a landslide

• He lost to Thomas E. Dewey

• He narrowly defeated Thomas E. Dewey

• He did not run for re-election

What was a significant domestic policy initiative of Truman's presidency?

• The Fair Deal

• The Great Society

• The New Frontier

• The Square Deal

Why did Truman fire General Douglas MacArthur during the Korean War?

• MacArthur was not effective in battle

• MacArthur wanted to negotiate with North Korea

• MacArthur was too old

• MacArthur refused to follow orders

What was Truman's stance on civil rights during his presidency?

• He was indifferent to civil rights

• He left civil rights issues to the states

• He opposed civil rights legislation

• He supported civil rights and took action to promote them

How did historians' views of Truman change after he left office?

• Their views remained unchanged

• They saw him as one of the worst presidents

• They viewed him more negatively

• They began to rank him among the top presidents

What was a major reason for Truman's declining popularity during his presidency?

• His lack of communication with Congress

• His handling of the Korean War

• His foreign policy decisions

• His economic policies