“Ascent to Power: How Truman Emerged from Roosevelt’s Shadow and Remade the World,” 10/29 Kinder-Truman Library Lecture with Historian David L. Roll

The Kinder Institute will hit the road on October 29, heading west to partner with the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library in Independence, MO, for our first out-of-town lecture of the year, with historian David L. Roll presenting on Truman’s rise to power and transcendent legacy. The evening will begin with a reception at the Truman Library at 5:00pm, followed by the talk at 6:00, and a book signing afterward. The event is free and open to the public, though we encourage everyone planning to attend to reserve their seat here.

Abstract

Spanning the years of transition, 1944 to 1948, Ascent to Power illuminates Truman’s struggles to emerge as president in his own right. Yet, from a relatively unknown Missouri senator to the most powerful man on Earth, Truman’s legacy transcends. With his come-from-behind campaign in the fall of 1948, his courageous civil rights advocacy, and his role in liberating millions from militarist governments and brutal occupations, Truman’s decisions during these pivotal years changed the course of the world in ways so significant we live with them today.

David L. Roll is the author of George Marshall and The Hopkins Touch, and the coauthor of Louis Johnson and the Arming of America (with Keith McFarland), a biography of Harry Truman’s defense secretary.