Harry Truman: The Unexpected President




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ClassGraphic Harry S. Truman rose from humble smalltown roots to become the 33rd President of the United States. His life was at once a surprise and a quintessential American story. Initially a loyal member of the Pendergast political machine in Kansas City, Truman moved from local “pothole” politics to the US Senate where he made a reputation as a corruption fighter. Although never a Washington insider, Truman was selected as the running mate when Franklin Delano Roosevelt sought his fourth term in 1944. Catapulted into the Presidency at Roosevelt’s death in April, 1945, Truman faced a new world order emerging after WW II. His years in the White House laid the foundation for decades of American hegemony abroad and Medicare legislation. His unexpected election to his own full term as President in 1948, made him a political hero to many. Our text Truman (Simon and Schuster, 1992), David McCullough’s Pulitzer-prize winning biography of Truman, gives a lively account of this fascinating story. Please join us as we follow the growth of a smalltown, Southern politician to the resolute leader of the free world and champion of “The Fair Deal” at home.  

Class Details

14 Session(s)
Weekly - Tue

Location
500 Davis Center

Instructor
Multiple

Tuition: 

$0.00

Email olli@northwestern.edu for more information. Send to Friend »

Schedule Information

Date(s) Class Days Times Location Instructor(s)
3/3/2026 - 6/2/2026 Weekly - Tue 09:45 AM - 11:45 AM Evanston, 500 Davis Center  Map Stephen Fisher  ; Naomi Fisher  ; George Maliekal 

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