Saving Freedom: Truman, the Cold War, and the Fight for the Future of Europe

In “Saving Freedom,” Joe Scarborough focuses on President Harry Truman’s foreign policy achievements. After FDR’s death in 1945, Truman inherited an office that, at first, he felt unprepared to occupy. Quite a few Americans were weary of conflict and preferred to concentrate on domestic matters. However, President Truman was concerned that Stalin was sowing seeds that could result in the Soviet domination of Europe. Since Truman needed broad cooperation to implement his plans, he and his brilliant advisers concentrated on convincing Congress to prop up the economy of Greece, which was in ruins. In 1947, after numerous meetings and negotiations, Truman won over enough legislators to achieve his goal of assisting Greece. The mission of the Truman Doctrine was to promote democracy and contain the spread of Communism.

Scarborough’s writing style is refreshingly concise, lucid, and fast-paced. He humanizes the individuals who played important roles in Truman’s administration. In addition, the author draws on solid primary and secondary sources to trace the origins of the Cold War and describe Truman’s foreign policy initiatives. Furthermore, Scarborough provides enough background information about Truman to enlighten those may not be familiar with his military service, limited formal education, failed attempt at running a business, and early forays into politics.

This a timely and enlightening look at how government can work when skillful and patriotic individuals are at the helm. Truman was clever enough to know when the time was right to promote his agenda. He refused to bow to outside pressure when he felt morally obligated to make certain decisions, and remained humble yet resolute throughout his tenure. Truman had his share of flaws. He was not a great orator and many believe that America’s participation in the Korean War was misguided and costly. Although Truman left the White House with a ridiculously low approval rating, prominent historians have praised the former haberdasher from Missouri for his vision, integrity, and ability to work across the aisle. Scarborough convincingly makes the case that Truman’s actions helped shape America’s leadership in the world for much of the twentieth century.

Having read it, I now know why Joe likes Truman so much. Two quotes from the book:

– Truman : ” … I never had any doubt
that it (atomic bomb) should be used.” P79

– Scarborough, with admiration, says Truman’s mind was uncluttered by equivocation and paralyzing doubt…” There is such a thing as being too intellectual in your approach to a problem. The man who insists on seeing all sides of it often can’t make up his mind” p82. ,OMG!!

(At least I’m glad more people understand education for police increases a policeman’s appreciation of the fact that ambiguity is common in life and critical to conflict resolution. I wouldn’t hire either Truman or Scarborough as a policeman)

One final quote that Scarborough relies on for support for Truman’s greatness. Churchill’s “Truman more than any other man …. saved civilization”. What was in Churchill’s mind on this could justify a book. However, please remember Hitler was done when Truman became President. Defeat of the Nazi’s was more important than getting Stalin out of Greece.

Use of the bomb, which Scarborough glosses over, turned out to be much more controversial and problematic than Churchill realized. Many view use of the bomb not just unjustified and horrific , but actually wrecked our relationship with the Soviets and launched the Cold War.
Joe could be more helpful if he wrote a book about these topics

I have come to appreciate greatly portraits of our leaders drawn through specific events, policies or relationships. This is a particularly interesting example of that. The Harry Truman we see as he confronts the post war crisis in Greece and Turkey is courageous and decisive. He creates a foreign policy, working with Republican Arthur Vandenberg, that will bear his name and guide us through Cold War for many years. This isn’t a biography of Truman, but it is an important sketch.

Theres an interesting trend in the past 20 years or so, of authors of history and biographies taking their subjects and writing about selected parts of their lives. Former congressman and current Morning Joe pundit has done this with Harry Truman and the important foreign policy moves he made during his 8 years in office. His new book, Saving Freedom: Truman, the Cold War, and the Fight for Western Civilization, begins basically after the end of World War 2, and recounts the beginning of a Cold War with our former ally, the Soviet Union.

Im sure everyone reading this review are familiar with Trumans first few months in office after succeeding Franklin Roosevelt in April, 1945. Truman found out – at long last – about our development of an atomic bomb. Truman was very clear about the bomb being yet another weapon-of-choice against the Japanese. He later said he had no doubt in using the two bombs to help facilitate Japanese surrender. (If youre really interested in that time period, please check out A J Baimes excellent work, The Accidental President: Harry S Truman and the Four Months That Changed the World.) Scarboroughs book sort of picks up where Baimes book ends.

Scarborough looks at how Stalin took advantage of a dying Franklin Roosevelt when they met at Yalta in February, 1945 to discuss the coming post war reorganization of Germany and Europe. Winston Churchill was there, too, but the general assumption was that the post war world would have 2 major influences – the United States and the Soviet Union. Truman stepped into the role of Stalins adversary.

Truman also recognized that the US couldnt return to its isolationist roots. We had to have a place at the world table and not hide behind the expose of oceans, separating us from Europe and Asia. We had to get involved in the post war world.

Scarboroughs book is a great read for an armchair historian.

An interesting and informative behind the scenes view of political machinations in the immediate aftermath of WWll

Galaxyaudiobook Member Benefit

- Able to comment

- List watched audiobooks

- List favorite audiobooks

- Bookmark will only available for Galaxyaudiobook member