Book SummaryAscent to Power, by David L. Roll

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Ascent to Power

Upon taking office as President, Truman encountered numerous obstacles coinciding with the transition of power after Roosevelt's tenure.

This section scrutinizes the difficulties faced by the incoming president who assumed the role unexpectedly following the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Roll emphasizes the distinct contrasts between the two figures, which shaped public perception and initially impeded Truman's ability to govern effectively.

Being excluded from key decisions left Truman ill-prepared for the presidency.

Roll underscores that Truman was thrust into the presidency without adequate preparation, a situation largely attributed to Roosevelt's intentional keeping of Truman at a distance from his inner circle of advisors and not being forthcoming with him. Truman's unforeseen ascension to a position demanding his navigation through intricate international relations and oversight of the nation's economic transition from wartime to peacetime was unforeseen, despite his experience with legislative responsibilities and his leadership of the Truman Committee.

Despite Roosevelt's decision to seek a fourth term, Truman was kept in the dark about critical domestic and international matters, a decision made without considering his deteriorating physical condition.

Roll clarifies that Truman was significantly unprepared for the vast duties he was about to assume, a circumstance made worse by Roosevelt's decision to pursue a fourth term despite his failing health. Roll reveals that throughout the campaign, Roosevelt barely made efforts to familiarize Truman with the pivotal issues internationally and within the country, which led to significant unease for Truman. Roll criticizes Roosevelt for his enigmatic and intricate inner musings, which left his closest confidants, despite being privy to his most profound reflections, in a state of confusion. Roll argues that this lack of transparency led to Truman's absence of a clear plan to deal with the aftermath of the war, which included managing ties with Allied nations, determining the future of Europe and Japan, and confronting the rising threat from the Soviet Union. Upon assuming the presidency, Truman was faced with the ambiguous objective of seeking cooperation with the Soviet Union, a strategy that quickly proved to be unfeasible.

Other Perspectives

• Roosevelt's health and the urgency of the matters at hand may have led to an oversight rather than a deliberate decision to keep Truman uninformed.
• Truman's own abilities to adapt and learn on the job should not be underestimated; he may have been more prepared than given credit for, as he was able to make critical decisions once in office.
• The political and administrative structure of the time might not have facilitated the kind of transition planning that is expected today, which could explain the lack of preparation provided to Truman.
• The historical context of the era did not necessarily prioritize the vice president's immediate readiness for the presidency as a factor in a president's decision to run for another term.
• Roosevelt's inner musings, while perhaps enigmatic, could have been a strategic...

Ascent to Power Summary The formulation of the Marshall Plan under Truman's guidance

The Truman administration's steadfast determination to counteract the Soviet Union's attempts at expanding its influence underscored pivotal decisions that marked a significant shift in the foreign policy direction of the United States. David L. Roll illustrates Truman's rise in international politics, characterized by his dedication to investing billions for the economic revival of Europe after the war, while also seeking to limit the spread of Communist beliefs.

The deterioration in the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union following the Yalta conference was underscored by Truman's growing suspicion of Soviet intentions, indicating a major change.

Truman initially aimed to continue Roosevelt's policy of working together with Stalin and the Soviet Union; however, due to Stalin's failure to honor the Yalta agreements and his assertive actions throughout Europe, the United States had to substantially alter its foreign policy, shifting from a stance of appeasement to one of containing Soviet expansion.

The cessation of Lend-Lease assistance to the Soviet Union intensified mistrust and heightened tensions.

Roll examines the impact of Truman's...

Ascent to Power Summary Truman's method of governing addressed his strategies for economic difficulties, labor relations, and civil rights matters.

The book segment scrutinizes how Truman handled the U.S. economy after World War II and the expectations of the voters who brought him into office. Roll suggests that the Truman administration was characterized by significant progress in African American civil rights along with notable labor conflicts.

Following the conclusion of World War II, the country was tasked with the dual responsibilities of shifting towards an economy suited for peacetime and handling a rise in labor conflicts.

Roll describes the difficulties the government encountered in shifting the nation's economic structure from one designed for war to one suitable for times of peace. Ending wartime price controls, pent-up consumer demand for products that had been unavailable for years, and labor's insistence on wage increases to offset wartime sacrifices touched off an inflationary spiral that would bedevil Truman until the end of his presidency.

The Republicans' comeback and Truman's waning popularity were significantly shaped by widespread shortages, numerous strikes, and the impact of escalating prices.

The congressional elections took place at the term's halfway mark. Roll attributes Truman's...

Ascent to Power Summary Truman's strategic political tactics to clinch the 1948 presidential election, despite facing formidable Republican adversaries, represented a well-thought-out plan.

The analysis explores the strategies employed by Truman's counselors to overcome challenges like a split within the Democratic party, firm opposition from labor unions, and a formidable Republican adversary, leading to an unexpected victory. The book examines the tactical planning that established the foundation for what is widely regarded as the country's most unforeseen presidential campaign.

Rowe and Clifford's memorandum, "Politics of 1948," aimed to bolster Truman's flagging approval ratings and tackle the internal strife plaguing the Democratic Party.

The book presents an overview of the "Politics of 1948," which was mainly written by Jim Rowe, along with notable input from Clifford. David L. Roll proposes that the document was a strategic blueprint for Truman's campaign approach, anticipating a race that would include Truman, Dewey, and Wallace. The book failed to adequately assess the consequences arising from the exodus of people from the Southern regions.

The approach concentrated on garnering support from farm laborers, members of unions, African American voters, and Jewish individuals in key areas.

Roll highlights the significant role that the "Politics...