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Harry Truman was president at one of the most crucial times in recent history. His decisions would inevitably have a massive impact on the world. Although he was extremely unpopular when he left office, after his death many people began to feel more positively towards him.

His use of two atomic bombs against Japan in 1945 was a massive, world-changing event. These remain the only uses of atomic bombs to date. Around 140, 000 people in Hiroshima and 80, 000 people in Nagasaki died as a result of the bomb. Shortly after the bombings the Japanese surrendered, bringing an end to World War Two. In his declaration, the emperor of Japan stated that the reason for surrender was the nuclear threat. There is some doubt about this, the emperor at other times pointed to the threat from Russia as the reason for surrender, but it is likely the nuclear bomb played some part in ending the war.

The use of the atomic bomb against Japan triggered protest groups around the globe to, asking for an end to the development of nuclear bombs. The strength of nuclear weapons was shown. Other countries raced to achieve similar technology in order to counter the threat against them. The group of untouchable nuclear countries, and the idea of the Nuclear deterrent, was formed. Many people see the use of the bombs as a mistake that had to be made once. If the nuclear bombs had not been used against Japan in 1945, it is likely they would have been used in another war, on another country, with a similar effect on the world. However, the use of nuclear bombs by Harry Truman in 1945 redefined international relations.

Truman also had a global impact when he put forward the Truman Doctrine in 1947, beginning the Cold War. Truman believed any possible measures should be taken against Communism. Truman offered economic and military aid to governments that were resisting Communist movements, such as Turkey. The Truman doctrine led America into the Korean war and eventually the Vietnam war. The Marshall Plan set out a programme of economic aid to European countries that were trying to rebuild following the war. Truman felt strong economies would dispel the Communist movements in those countries. This programme had a huge effect on politics and society in many of the countries that received aid, and most likely did shrink the appeal of Communism in Europe.

Truman was also involved in the creation of Israel. When the British could not longer afford to occupy Palestine. a UN committee recommended the division of Palestine into two states. Truman supported the idea of a Jewish state in the middle east, and recognised Israel in May 1948. This has led to instability in the middle east ever since. For some people, problems such as modern day terrorism could even be linked back to Truman, but this conclusion relies heavily on speculation.

Domestically, Truman failed to leave much of a lasting legacy. His attempt at reform to healthcare, union laws and civil rights, known as the "Fair Deal", was almost completely rejected.

Truman's legacy consists of the only ever use of a nuclear weapon; Israel and the subsequent problems in the middle east; the cold war and economic redemption for a number of desperate European countries. To pass judgement on whether Truman's legacy is one of good or bad, whether the world would be better or worse, would require an unreasonable amount of speculation and personal bias. However, it is undeniable that Truman had a large effect on the world.

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