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Harry and Arthur: Truman, Vandenberg, and the Partnership That Created the Free World
With Franklin Roosevelt’s death in April of 1945, Vice President Harry Truman and Senator Arthur Vandenberg, the Republican leader on foreign policy, inherited a world in turmoil. With Europe flattened and the Soviets emerging as America’s new adversary, Truman and Vandenberg built a tight, bipartisan partnership at a bitterly partisan time to craft a dramatic new foreign policy through which the United States stepped boldly onto the world stage to protect its friends, confront its enemies, and promote freedom. These two men transformed America from a reluctant global giant to a self-confident leader; from a nation that traditionally turned inward after war to one that remained engaged to shape the postwar landscape; and from a nation with no real military establishment to one that now spends more on defense than the next dozen nations combined.
Lawrence J. Haas, an award-winning journalist, reveals how, through the close collaboration of Truman and Vandenberg, the United States created the United Nations to replace the League of Nations, pursued the Truman Doctrine to defend freedom from communist threat, launched the Marshall Plan to rescue Western Europe’s economy from the devastation of war, and established NATO to defend Western Europe.
Lawrence J. Haas, an award-winning journalist, reveals how, through the close collaboration of Truman and Vandenberg, the United States created the United Nations to replace the League of Nations, pursued the Truman Doctrine to defend freedom from communist threat, launched the Marshall Plan to rescue Western Europe’s economy from the devastation of war, and established NATO to defend Western Europe.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published April 1, 2016
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169 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 24, 2017
This book is about the relationship of two men from the Midwest who stepped up and did their job at a critical time in this country’s history. The Congress was extremely partisan and almost non-functioning when Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) was president. Truman was considered a foreign policy neophyte. Arthur Vandenberg (1884-1951) senator from Michigan had been an isolationist prior to Pearl Harbor. Vandenberg was the Republican Party’s leading expert on global affairs and when the Republicans gained control of the Senate he became the Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
Haas tells how Truman and Vandenberg managed to overcome the hatred and political infighting to develop a bipartisan working agreement to solve the world’s problems. The Republicans wanted to return to prewar isolationism and Truman saw war and chaos coming if the problems of starving homeless people wandering a destroyed Europe were not solved. The governments of Europe were non-existent or unable to operate after the war. Haas discussed how these two men working together helped put into action the following: The United Nations, The Truman Doctrine, The Marshall Plan and The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). They rebuilt Europe so people and governments could support themselves and become an active part in the world’s solutions. Haas shows how strategy, vision and long-term goals along with humanitarianism resolved problems and led to a better world.
The book is well written and meticulously researched. The book is easy to read and packed full of information about events and people. It provides a good understanding of the time after World War II to our current situation. “Henry and Arthur: Truman and Vandenberg and the Partnership that Created the Free World” by Lawrence J. Haas is a must-read book.
I read this e-book on my Kindle app for my iPad. The book is 337 pages. Published by Potomac Books on April 1, 2016.
Haas tells how Truman and Vandenberg managed to overcome the hatred and political infighting to develop a bipartisan working agreement to solve the world’s problems. The Republicans wanted to return to prewar isolationism and Truman saw war and chaos coming if the problems of starving homeless people wandering a destroyed Europe were not solved. The governments of Europe were non-existent or unable to operate after the war. Haas discussed how these two men working together helped put into action the following: The United Nations, The Truman Doctrine, The Marshall Plan and The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). They rebuilt Europe so people and governments could support themselves and become an active part in the world’s solutions. Haas shows how strategy, vision and long-term goals along with humanitarianism resolved problems and led to a better world.
The book is well written and meticulously researched. The book is easy to read and packed full of information about events and people. It provides a good understanding of the time after World War II to our current situation. “Henry and Arthur: Truman and Vandenberg and the Partnership that Created the Free World” by Lawrence J. Haas is a must-read book.
I read this e-book on my Kindle app for my iPad. The book is 337 pages. Published by Potomac Books on April 1, 2016.
March 9, 2016
Look What Cooperation Can Do!
If only. If only today, the United States could have two statesman similar to Harry Truman and Arthur Vandenberg. Two leaders who were willing to put their own petty interests aside and work for the good of the country. Haas does an admirable job of laying out the history of the country during these two men's times, and showing the obstacles and problems they faced. The good that resulted from their cooperative efforts may never again be seen by our country.Mitch McConnell/Harry Reid, if only you and your ilk would take the time to read and absorb this book, you might still be someone that would be looked up to in the future. Can you imagine Truman (a Democrat) and Vandenberg (a Republican) were alive today, in this era of complete recalcitrant parties, 24 hour "gotcha" news programs, special interest laden groups? I wonder if they could move worlds, like they did in their time? I hope so. And I hope that we, as a country, find people with the leadership and backbone to work together, and soon. Or I fear for what we might become. A very good read, flowing more like a novel than a history book. Kudos to the author!
If only. If only today, the United States could have two statesman similar to Harry Truman and Arthur Vandenberg. Two leaders who were willing to put their own petty interests aside and work for the good of the country. Haas does an admirable job of laying out the history of the country during these two men's times, and showing the obstacles and problems they faced. The good that resulted from their cooperative efforts may never again be seen by our country.Mitch McConnell/Harry Reid, if only you and your ilk would take the time to read and absorb this book, you might still be someone that would be looked up to in the future. Can you imagine Truman (a Democrat) and Vandenberg (a Republican) were alive today, in this era of complete recalcitrant parties, 24 hour "gotcha" news programs, special interest laden groups? I wonder if they could move worlds, like they did in their time? I hope so. And I hope that we, as a country, find people with the leadership and backbone to work together, and soon. Or I fear for what we might become. A very good read, flowing more like a novel than a history book. Kudos to the author!
December 4, 2019
I recommend this book to every American who is sick and tired of the partisan rancor, continual dishonesty, puerile antics and conspicuous incompetence of today's government. This book chronicles the history of how a Democratic President (Harry Truman) and a Republican Senator (Arthur Vandenberg), in the face of Soviet aggression, put party politics and deep disagreements aside for the sake of country and the world at large to create the free world order that we have enjoyed (and taken for granted) for the past 70 years. In the space of just 5 years or so, they tirelessly worked together (along with the other "wise men" of their generation such as Marshall, Lovett, Acheson and Dulles) to establish the United Nations, the Marshall Plan (which saved post-war Western Europe from economic and political destruction), the Rio Treaty (which re-affirmed the Monroe Doctrine and American dominance in the Western Hemisphere), NATO (which has kept the peace in Europe, more or less, since 1949), the Berlin Airlift, and the CIA. After finishing this interesting and heartening book, I reflected on the sorry state of our government today and thought of the old saying: "History repeats itself." Let's pray that it does.
September 8, 2018
Harry, you've probably heard of. It's President Harry Truman. Unless you're from Michigan and enjoy history, you've probably not heard of Arthur Vandenberg. Vandenberg was a leading Republican U.S. senator and a leading isolationist before World War II. But the war opened his eyes to the perils of remaining isolated and after the war, he helped Truman shepherd key legislation through a sometimes resistant Congress. Without his help, the United Nations, the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, and NATO would have had a much tougher time and all might not have made it through Congress intact. This tells the story of their cooperation in the years immediately after the war. Imagine that! Two politicians from opposing parties actually working together for the good of the nation. Fantasy? No. History!
July 1, 2017
A fascinating and superbly written account of a seminal period of US foreign policy, centred around the dual personalities of Harry S Truman and Arthur H Vandenburg. The book is a particularly important read that, in the present time of political uncertainty, outlines the contribution great statesmen can make to world affairs.
May 22, 2016
This is a very interesting look into the relationship between two men who set the course of American foreign policy for the past 70 years. When Harry Truman was told that FDR had died, he felt the overwhelming weight of the presidency thrust upon him. Most people are not aware that FDR kept Truman completely in the dark about what was going on in his administration. It seems unbelievable, but apparently FDR never even told Truman about the Manhattan Project which resulted in the development of the atomic bomb. Truman learned about it only after assuming the presidency.
When Truman assumed the presidency after FDR's death, he developed a partnership with Republican Arthur Vandenberg, who was chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. As a result of their collaboration and the desire of both men to put country over partisanship, Truman was able to turn the U.S. from a primarily isolationist country into a major global power. Their partnership resulted in the U.S. creating the United Nations, the implementation of the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan, which helped resurrect the devastated economies of Western Europe, with the intent of maintaining a fragile peace after WWII and warding off Soviet aggression.
I was really impressed with Truman's political acumen and his desire to put the country ahead of his ego. In 1947 when the administration was working on what became the Marshall Plan, Truman's advisors suggested that they call it the Truman Plan because it was typical for presidents to assume brand name ownership of their major initiatives. Truman was against it because he truly believed that giving the nations of Western Europe economic aid was absolutely essential to the survival of democracy in Europe. Truman feared that, in the year before the presidential election of 1948, Republicans who controlled Congress might not be amenable to give him a winning issue for the presidential campaign by authorizing economic aid to Europe. In Truman’s view, economic aid was far too important to risk the possibility that Congress would deny aid and cite a preference for isolationism. Instead, Truman insisted that the plan be named after General George Marshall who was a respected statesman and soldier in WWII. Truman also realized the value of working with Congress from the beginning of any initiative rather than keeping Congress at arms length and then bringing them in the loop at the end when he wanted to sell his initiative to Congress and the public. Vandenberg told Truman,"I'm not going to help you with crash landings unless I'm in on the takeoff." Truman was a smart man to listen.
When Truman assumed the presidency after FDR's death, he developed a partnership with Republican Arthur Vandenberg, who was chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. As a result of their collaboration and the desire of both men to put country over partisanship, Truman was able to turn the U.S. from a primarily isolationist country into a major global power. Their partnership resulted in the U.S. creating the United Nations, the implementation of the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan, which helped resurrect the devastated economies of Western Europe, with the intent of maintaining a fragile peace after WWII and warding off Soviet aggression.
I was really impressed with Truman's political acumen and his desire to put the country ahead of his ego. In 1947 when the administration was working on what became the Marshall Plan, Truman's advisors suggested that they call it the Truman Plan because it was typical for presidents to assume brand name ownership of their major initiatives. Truman was against it because he truly believed that giving the nations of Western Europe economic aid was absolutely essential to the survival of democracy in Europe. Truman feared that, in the year before the presidential election of 1948, Republicans who controlled Congress might not be amenable to give him a winning issue for the presidential campaign by authorizing economic aid to Europe. In Truman’s view, economic aid was far too important to risk the possibility that Congress would deny aid and cite a preference for isolationism. Instead, Truman insisted that the plan be named after General George Marshall who was a respected statesman and soldier in WWII. Truman also realized the value of working with Congress from the beginning of any initiative rather than keeping Congress at arms length and then bringing them in the loop at the end when he wanted to sell his initiative to Congress and the public. Vandenberg told Truman,"I'm not going to help you with crash landings unless I'm in on the takeoff." Truman was a smart man to listen.
February 27, 2016
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the University of Nebraska Press, the publisher, with the promise that I would write a review and post it on Net Galley, Amazon, Goodreads and my blog. In addition, it is posted on my LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Goggle Plus pages.
I requested this book because I am interested in American History and the Presidents in particular. I have previously read a few books about Harry Truman. This is the first book by Lawrence J. Haas that I have read.
I found this nonfiction work to be well researched and engaging. The author's writing style makes it read more like a fast paced novel than a piece of history. It describes the relationship between Truman, a Democrat President, and Vandenberg, an influential Republican Senator, and how they worked cooperatively to convince the Senate and Congress to agree to the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, the United Nations and the establishment of NATO. It was not always an easy path, but the parties involved stuck with each other and accomplished much when there was an isolationist thread in the Republican Congress after World War II.
Unfortunately, it clearly points out the inability of the current President and Congress to work to find common ground on issues important the the health of the nation.
I recommend this book for anyone who has an interest in American History and in particular the behind the scene events that occurred in the years immediately following World War II.
I requested this book because I am interested in American History and the Presidents in particular. I have previously read a few books about Harry Truman. This is the first book by Lawrence J. Haas that I have read.
I found this nonfiction work to be well researched and engaging. The author's writing style makes it read more like a fast paced novel than a piece of history. It describes the relationship between Truman, a Democrat President, and Vandenberg, an influential Republican Senator, and how they worked cooperatively to convince the Senate and Congress to agree to the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, the United Nations and the establishment of NATO. It was not always an easy path, but the parties involved stuck with each other and accomplished much when there was an isolationist thread in the Republican Congress after World War II.
Unfortunately, it clearly points out the inability of the current President and Congress to work to find common ground on issues important the the health of the nation.
I recommend this book for anyone who has an interest in American History and in particular the behind the scene events that occurred in the years immediately following World War II.
May 6, 2016
Of great local interest, since he is one of the most famous people ever to come out of Grand Rapids, MI. And he really made his mark on the world. This book is well researched, well written, and successfully takes the reader inside the life & times of Arthur Vandenberg. His part in starting the United Nations, NATO, etc, and how that prevented the USSR from moving it's efforts forward to start a WWIII. As well as the continuing impact today, and the current threats to this established structure right now. A very thought provoking ending chapter.
May 19, 2016
Maybe it was outside of Haas's scope for the book but he doesn't discuss Vandenberg's faith which I assume was Dutch Reformed. I'm curious if faith had any role in Vanderberg's politics and conversion from Isolationist to Internationalist. All-in-all a good read for today's return to "America First". That's far more interesting than the focus on working-together which I think overrated in some of these reviews. Two politicians agree that there are real threats to the United States (and no JV adversary) you'll find bipartisan cooperation.
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May 7, 2016A beautifully written and engrossing story of American political leadership. In the aftermath of World War II, Harry Truman and Arthur Vandenberg, Democrat and Republican, worked together to shape the institutions -- the U.N., the Marshall Plan, Nato -- that created the Free World.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews