National Archives: At the White House, President Truman announces Japan's surrender. Abbie Rowe, Washington, DC, August 14, 1945

Harry S. Truman, (1884-1972 ) our thirty-third President of the United States, assumed  office after the sudden death of Franklin D. Roosevelt . During the Potsdam Conference with Churchill and Stalin, he attempted to settle differences with USSR but had little success. While at Potsdam he approved the use of the atomic bomb against Japan with the intent to shorten the war. He accepted Japan's unconditional surrender on August. 14, 1945. With the war over Truman faced a new "Cold War" with Russia and established the Truman Doctrine in an attempt to assist countries trying to resist domination from outside powers.

Missourian Sworn In At White House
Oath is administered by Chief Justice Harlan Stone
WASHINGTON; April 12 (AP)—Harry S. Truman who eleven years ago was a Missouri county judge, became the thirty-second President of the United States at 7:09 p.m. (EWT) tonight and solemnly pledged himself to the policies of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
        Sworn in two hours and 34 minutes after Mr., Roosevelt's death in warm springs, Ga., as a shocked capital sought to weigh the import of the sudden change, Truman announced in quick succession:

1. He will try to carry on as he believes President Roosevelt would have done.
2. The San Francisco United Nations conference will go on as scheduled April 25th.
3. He has asked the Roosevelt cabinet to stay on with him.
4. The war will be pressed to a "successful conclusion."

        The new Chief Executive issued this statement: "The world may be sure that we will prosecute the war on both fronts, east and west, with all the vigor we posses, to a successful conclusion."
Thus, Mr. Truman acted immediately to steady a stunned nation and drive forward victory and a lasting peace.
        About the White House crowds stood silently at the tall iron fence. Flags there, and on embassies and other public buildings, dipped to half staff.
        After the brief and solemn induction ceremony, President and Mrs. Truman went from the cabinet room to the White House residential quarters to speak with Mrs. Roosevelt, who was leaving to fly to Warm Springs. Shortly after 7:30 p.m., they left by rear entrance and motored to their apartment on Connecticut avenue in southwest Washington.

© The Toledo Times, 1945
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