When Harry S. Truman left the White House in 1953, his reputation was in ruins. Tarred by corruption scandals and his controversial decision to drop nuclear bombs on Japan, he ended his second term with an abysmal approval rating, his presidency widely considered a failure. But this dim view of Truman ignores his crucial role in the 20th century and his enduring legacy, as historian Aida D. Donald explains in this biography of the 33rd president.

Examines the social, political, and popular culture of America in the period between VJ Day and the start of the Korean War, discussing the country's anxieties and insecurities at the onset of the Red Scare and the Cold War.

"The nearly eight years of Harry Truman's presidency--among the most turbulent in American history--were marked by victory in the wars against Germany and Japan; the first use of an atomic weapon; the beginning of the Cold War; creation of the NATO alliance; the founding of the United Nations; the Marshall Plan to rebuild the wreckage of postwar Europe; the Red Scare; and the fateful decision to commit troops to fight in Korea."--Amazon.

As witnesses were mysteriously murdered and the FBI, NSA, CIA and even the IRS were on the warpath in 1975, a senator named Frank Church stood almost alone in the face of extraordinary abuses of power. "Senator Frank Church of Idaho was an unlikely hero. He led congressional opposition to the Vietnam War and had become a scathing, radical critic of what he saw as American imperialism around the world. But he was still politically ambitious, privately...

"At the midpoint of the twentieth century, Sir Winston Churchill called the United States "this gigantic capitalist organization, with its vast and superabundant productive power." The dollar reigned supreme and Pittsburgh and Detroit were at the summit of their power and prestige. From Washington, American statesmen sought to guide the destiny of nations. Victorious in the elections of 1948, Harry Truman and the leaders of the Democratic Party hoped...

Provides an introduction to president Harry S. Truman, presenting his childhood, education, and career.

Using archival footage and photographs, profiles the life of Henry A. Wallace. Shows his work with hybrid corn research, his contributions to the green revolution, and tenure as farm journal editor. Traces the development of his political ideals and highlights his service as secretary of agriculture in the New Deal era, his nomination and term as vice-president, his replacement by Harry S. Truman on the ticket in the 1944 election, and his running...