Teacher's Guide: Discussion Questions

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These questions will help students explore the major ideas and themes in the program. Check the Film Index for descriptions of specific program segments.

Before Watching

1. Two of Truman's most famous mottos were: "The buck stops here" and "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." Invite students to explore these aphorisms. What do they think Truman meant by them? Do they agree with them? As they watch the video, have them take notes as to what actions or policies expressed these philosophies. When was Truman able to live up to these mottos? How? When wasn't he able to? Why?

2. When Truman left office, he had the lowest approval rating of any president ever. As they watch the video, have students note the reasons for his unpopularity and prepare their own "report card" on Truman. Ask them to grade him in the following areas: Domestic Policy, Foreign Policy, Leadership, Decision-Making.

3. Ask students to contribute what they know about the atomic bomb. What was it? Why was it developed? Why was it used? Should it ever be used again? If so, why? What impact did dropping the atomic bomb have on the country? On the world? As they watch the video, have students note Truman's statements regarding the bomb.

After Watching

1. Truman's reputation has undergone a transformation over the last 40 years and he is now rated much more favorably by historians and others. Ask students to share their report cards on Truman. How did they rate him and why? Why do they think public opinion changed since his time? How does the passage of time contribute to or change how we view a president's performance?

2. Review Bess Truman's feelings about being first lady and her behavior as first lady. What was her influence on Truman? What was her affect on his presidency? How might she have been regarded today by the American people and/or the media? How might she have reacted to today's media spotlight? Have students compare Bess Truman's style to a more active first lady, such as Eleanor Roosevelt or Hillary Clinton.

3. Discuss with students what were some of the effects of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, apart from forcing Japan to surrender. What did this demonstration of unprecedented power accomplish, in addition to ending the war? Continue the discussion by asking students how Truman's decision to drop the bomb changed international politics afterward. Why hasn't the U.S. or any other country used the bomb again? What if Truman had never used it?