The Accidental President: Harry S. Truman and the Four Months That Changed the World

Description

*The Accidental President: Harry S. Truman and the Four Months That Changed the World* is a book by **A.J. Baime**. Published in 2017, it focuses on the pivotal period of Harry S. Truman’s presidency immediately following the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt in April 1945. Truman, who had been Vice President for only 82 days before assuming the office of President, was thrust into one of the most consequential times in world history, with the end of World War II on the horizon, the dropping of atomic bombs on Japan, the beginning of the Cold War, and the shaping of the post-war global order.

### Key Themes of the Book:

1. **The Unexpected Presidency:**
Truman, a relatively unknown and unprepared politician when he became vice president, was suddenly faced with the weight of the presidency at a time when the United States was involved in an unprecedented global conflict. The book explores how Truman quickly grew into the role, making tough decisions that shaped the future of the world.

2. **The End of World War II:**
A major focus of the book is the critical period in the spring and summer of 1945, as Truman inherited the final stages of World War II. The narrative covers the momentous decisions surrounding the use of atomic weapons against Japan, the Allies’ plans for post-war Europe, and Truman’s leadership at the Potsdam Conference.

3. **The Dropping of the Atomic Bombs:**
Truman’s decision to use atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 is one of the most controversial aspects of his presidency. The book delves into the rationale behind the decision, the political pressures he faced, and the legacy of the bombings on global politics and ethics.

4. **The Dawn of the Cold War:**
By the end of Truman’s first few months in office, the U.S. and the Soviet Union had emerged as the two superpowers in a rapidly changing world. Truman’s foreign policy decisions in this period laid the groundwork for the Cold War that would dominate international relations for the next several decades.

5. **Truman’s Leadership Style:**
The book also highlights Truman’s character, work ethic, and leadership style. It provides insights into how his background in local politics and his plain-spoken, no-nonsense approach to decision-making helped him navigate the complex political landscape of his time.

### The Four Months That Changed the World:
The specific four months in question are **April to August 1945**, a period during which Truman made decisions that would have lasting impacts. These months saw:
– The death of Roosevelt and Truman’s sudden assumption of the presidency.
– The final stages of World War II in Europe and the Pacific.
– The creation of the United Nations.
– The dropping of atomic bombs on Japan and the eventual surrender of Japan, which ended World War II.
– The early signs of the ideological conflict that would become the Cold War, particularly in relation to the Soviet Union and the division of post-war Europe.

### The Author’s Perspective:
A.J. Baime provides a narrative that is both accessible and deeply researched, combining historical analysis with storytelling to create a compelling portrait of Truman’s early presidency. He brings out the drama and tension of the times, showing how Truman faced complex geopolitical decisions with little time to prepare, relying on his instincts, counsel from advisors, and his background as a no-nonsense politician from Missouri.

In short, *The Accidental President* gives readers a deeper understanding of how Truman’s unexpected rise to the presidency in 1945 had a profound impact on shaping the post-war world. The book offers an engaging look at Truman’s character, leadership, and the momentous decisions that set the course for the second half of the 20th century.