Although Truman was highly unpopular when he left office, he is now regarded by historians as one of the nation's ten best presidents. Why?

Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, who served from 1945 to 1953, indeed faced significant unpopularity as he left office. However, over time, historical perspectives have shifted, and many historians now rank him as one of the nation's best presidents due to several key reasons:

1. **Decisive Leadership at the End of World War II**: Truman assumed the presidency after the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt and made the momentous decision to use atomic weapons against Japan, which led to the end of World War II. This decision, while controversial, is seen by many as having saved countless lives that would have been lost in a prolonged conflict.

2. **The Truman Doctrine**: Truman established the Truman Doctrine, which was a policy of containing communism and preventing its spread. This policy was a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War and set the stage for America's role in global affairs for decades.

3. **The Marshall Plan**: Under Truman's leadership, the United States implemented the Marshall Plan, which provided significant economic aid to help rebuild Western European economies after the devastation of World War II. This not only helped prevent the spread of communism in Europe but also established strong economic ties and a foundation for the modern alliance between the U.S. and Western Europe.

4. **Civil Rights Initiatives**: Truman took steps to advance civil rights in America, including desegregating the armed forces and advocating for anti-lynching laws. These actions were ahead of their time and laid the groundwork for the civil rights advancements that would follow in the 1960s.

5. **The Creation of NATO**: Truman's presidency saw the creation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a military alliance that continues to play a crucial role in global security.

6. **The Korean War**: Truman's decision to intervene in the Korean War without a formal declaration of war was a contentious issue, but it reflected his commitment to the containment of communism and the defense of South Korea from North Korean aggression.

7. **Domestic Policy**: Domestically, Truman's "Fair Deal" policies aimed to continue and expand upon the New Deal programs initiated by Roosevelt. He faced opposition from Congress, but his advocacy for healthcare reform, increased minimum wage, and expanded social security laid the groundwork for future policy discussions.

8. **Political Courage**: Truman was known for making tough decisions that were not always popular in the short term but were often vindicated by history. His straightforward, no-nonsense approach to governance and his willingness to take responsibility for his administration's actions—famously epitomized by the sign on his desk stating "The buck stops here"—have been celebrated in retrospect.

9. **Post-Presidential Reputation**: As with many historical figures, Truman's reputation has benefited from the passage of time. Subsequent historical analysis has often cast his presidency in a more favorable light, recognizing the long-term positive outcomes of his policies.

The reassessment of Truman's presidency by historians and the public reflects the complex nature of presidential legacies, which can evolve as the long-term consequences of their decisions become clearer. Truman's decisiveness during a pivotal era in world history, his commitment to rebuilding post-war Europe, his early civil rights initiatives, and his efforts to shape a post-war international order have all contributed to his improved standing in historical rankings.