VP Harry Truman sworn in as 33rd President of the United States 70 years ago this hour (Apr 12 1945)

1940s, U.S. Presidents, World War II


Video: 'Truman Being Sworn In (1945)'

(Thursday, April 12, 1945, 7:09 p.m. EWT; during World War II) — Vice President Harry S. Truman of Missouri, 60, standing erect, with his sharp features taut and looking straight ahead through his large, round glasses, became the 33rd President of the United States tonight in a ceremony lasting not more than a minute in the Cabinet Room of the White House.

The oath was administered by Chief Justice Harlan F. Stone two hours and 34 minutes after the sudden death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt (of a massive stroke) at his retreat in Warm Springs, Georgia (click here to watch a clip of Apr. 12, 1945, from “American Experience: Truman” at 1:30:52).


Video: '1945 Newreel: FDR Dead; Truman Sworn In (full)'


Video: 'The World At War 1973(World War II Documentary)Episode 24-The Bomb(February–September 1945)' (Truman sworn-in at 8:54)