Facts about Bess Truman: Fact Sheet of Bess Truman Facts and Info: This fast fact sheet provides important information about Bess Truman, First Lady of the United States of America. Facts about Bess Truman: Fast Overview of Events in the White House Facts and Info: Bess Truman assumed the position of First Lady to President Harry Truman. She witnessed the important events of his presidency that included the end of World War II with the President's decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan leading to the end of World War II. The presidency also saw the beginning of the Cold War that gave rise to the Truman Doctrine that stated that the United States should give support to countries or peoples threatened by Soviet forces or communist insurrection. The end of his presidency saw the Korean War in 1950. Personality and Character: Bess Truman Quotes Facts and Info: An insight into the personal views, character and personality of this First Lady may be obtained from the following Bess Truman quotes: "We are not any of us happy to be where we are but there’s nothing to be done about it except to do our best - and forget about the sacrifices and many unpleasant things that pop up." "I am not the one who is elected. I have nothing to say to the public." Facts about Bess Truman: Her Nickname or Pet Name "Bess" Facts and Info: This First Lady's full name was Elizabeth Virginia Wallace but she was called by the pet name "Bess" by her family, friends and husband. Facts about Bess Truman: First Events Facts and Info: She is the longest living First Lady, she died when she was 97 years old.Facts about the Causes and Accomplishments of Bess Truman Facts and Info: First Ladies are not elected so have no official role. Their accomplishments are therefore based on their own particular wishes that ranged from political interests, humanitarian and charitable causes or duties relating to their family or social responsibilities. The causes and accomplishments of Bess Truman were demonstrated in her support of various charities including the Red Cross, Girl Scouts, Muscular Dystrophy and Cerebral Palsy. She also gave her support to the March of Dimes Foundation for improving the health of mothers and babies.Facts about Bess Truman: The Early Life of Bess Truman Facts and Info: Bess Truman was born on February 13, 1885 in Independence, Missouri. Her parents were David Willock Wallace & Madge Gates Wallace. Her father was a public official who was to commit suicide by gunshot in 1903, when Bess was 18 years old. Bess was raised in in Independence, Missouri where she met Harry Truman at Sunday school when she was five years old. The later went to school together and Bess completed her education at at Barstow School for Girls in Kansas City, Missouri. Bess and Harry Truman became engaged in 1918 and married a year later on June 28, 1919. They had one child called Mary Margaret. Bess was an intelligent, religious woman who was more comfortable at home and was socially shy. Unlike her predecessor Eleanor Roosevelt she had no political aspirations of her own and was happy to undertake her duties as a housewife and quietly support her husband. Facts about Bess Truman: Life at the White House Facts and Info: Harry Truman was elected President of the United States and Bess Truman assumed the role as First Lady on April 12, 1945. Harry Truman became President when FDR died in office. Bess Truman was thrust into the limelight of political life in Washington. Bess Truman was an intensely private woman and refused to continue Eleanor Roosevelt's practice of holding press conferences. Her focus was on the home and she ran the White House in the same way she ran her home in Missouri, keeping a tight rein on financial resources. Bess Truman believed that a woman's place in public was "to sit beside her husband, be silent and be sure her hat is on straight." In private she was a strong minded woman who strongly influenced her husband. The White House was showing signs of serious structural weakness and a complete renovation of the building was undertaken. The Truman family moved back into the White House in 1952. The homely Bess Truman appealed to the public during the post war era and the traditional values and morals that she adhered to. Bess Truman and teh former President returned to their home in Independence, Missouri. Harry Truman died of Heart Failure on December 26, 1972. Bess Truman died of a heart attack on October 18, 1982, at the age of 97 and was buried next to her husband in the courtyard of the Harry S Truman presidential Museum and Library. |