How Did Harry S Truman Use Presidential Power

Harry S. Truman’s presidency, riddled with moral dilemmas, is often argued as being one of the worst in history, however his controversial yet effective use of military power, the lasting treaties that he promoted on behalf of the US, his bold use of legislative power -promoting support to communist threatened countries to congress- and his usage of executive power through executive orders and the assembly of his cabinet has demonstrated that his presidency has been successful to the growth of our nation. Truman's presidency was one rushed and stressful, as he inherited office only months after Roosevelt started his fourth term. He was sworn in the same day Roosevelt passed, sworn into into a complicated and stressful position during the second
world war.

Truman’s presidency abruptly started during the end of WWII, requiring him to make important and immediate decisions on behalf of the american people. The most controversial of these decisions is the one that ended the war with Japan. The first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan and the second in Nagasaki three days later. Though many say that the use of the bombs “were unnecessary and gratuitous displays of atomic power“ (Barret), we must remember that Truman’s goal was to end the war “quickly and with as few casualties as possible” (Dowling) to American troops. And he succeeded in this goal. Japan officially surrendered five days after the bombs were dropped. Though many look back on this seventy years later and criticize the morality of this decision, for the purposes of this essay, Truman’s use of military power was effective and successful in protecting the American people and ending World War II.

Truman has two notable uses of diplomatic power in his presidency. One of which being the Surrender of Japan and the creation and signing of the NATO Treaty. The Surrender of Japan marked an important ending point in the war. This treaty was promptly signed only a few days after the Atomic Bombs were dropped. Another example of Truman’s use of diplomatic power is the creation of NATO. The North Atlantic Treaty was created with specific goals in mind, such as “safeguard[ing]...freedom, common heritage and civilization of their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law (The North Atlantic Treaty, Gale)”. NATO was created at that time for the purpose of fighting against and protecting other nations from communism, a large threat at the time. NATO still affects the world today and protects other countries, deeming it a successful force. Although in this day and age there are many people who question the importance and necessity of such a treaty, Truman, through his actions and dealings with other countries to protect and safeguard the world, shows his success in diplomacy and deem him a successful president.

The third power that Truman used frequently is his Legislative power.
Truman’s most notable use of this power is his Truman Doctrine. This act of foreign policy was given to a joint session of congress and was then given in the form of a speech to the american people by Harry S. Truman in order for them to see the importance of giving aid to "free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures (Gale, Truman Doctrine)." This was a direct outcry and pledge to protect other countries threatened by communism. Even though many saw this action as extreme and unnecessary it set a foreign policy precedent that is still viewed today as influential and important. Truman also used legislative power through his use of vetoes. Truman vetoed 250 bills and out of those had 12 vetoes overturned by congress. Although he often acted against public support, many of his vetoes helped support his plan for office and success of the economic status of the nation. This foresight and caution in his vetoes as well as strength and boldness in foreign policy and direction to the congress mark him as a successful
president.

Executive power is a fourth power that Truman uses to demonstrate his success.
His use of executive orders seems excessive to many, totaling 907 (Executive Orders, Peters, Wooley), many are seen as groundbreaking in the civil rights movement, especially Executive Order 9980 and 9981. These two executive orders dissuaded discrimination in the federal establishment and provided equal treatment and opportunity in the armed forces respectively. Truman shows through his use of executive orders his priorities and goals for our nation. Harry S. Truman also used his executive power through assembling his cabinet. He inherited the presidency as well as Roosevelt’s cabinet. However, Truman had little faith or trust in this group of advisors. He reassembled his cabinet to include Dean Acheson and George Marshall. Both of these men were strong advisors that helped get congressional support for the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan. They were known as men of integrity and reflected good judgement on Harry S. Truman throughout his two terms. Both of these displays of executive power demonstrate the success that Truman held in
office.

President Harry S. Truman proved his success through his use of effective military powers, diplomatic powers with enduring effects, his cautious yet strong use of his legislative powers and his application of executive powers that indicate his views for our nation’s future. Although some see his flaws and the complications he worked through as president and think him unfit or unsuccessful as the commander in chief, one can’t ignore all of his successes and the advancements he imposed, the vision he left for the american people. Truman was strong president whose success was proven through his uses of his powers.