President Truman was in the middle of some of the biggest moments of the 20th century. He dropped the two bombs that ended war in the Pacific and led the US into the Cold War with the Truman Doctrine. It was clearly one of the most consequential presidencies ever.
Pres. Truman's library hosted an exhibition in 2008 or the 60th anniversary of Israel or another one of his many important decisions:
"On May 14, 1948 President Harry Truman announced that the United States would offer de facto recognition of the new State of Israel. His decision, coming only eleven minutes after the new government was formed in the former British mandate of Palestine, gave immediate legitimacy to a country that existed only on paper and in the hearts of the world-wide Jewish community." (Truman and Israel: Behind the Decision)
Like most Truman decisions, it was not easy or popular everywhere. However, it was the right thing to do.
Pres. Truman was a great president because he made decisions and took the political heat for them. I call it leadership, which is why he is my favorite Democrat and ranks rather high in most presidential lists!
PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk). Speaking of Pres. Truman, let me recommend once again that wonderful biography by by David McCullough. It is one of best ones ever written about a US president:
