Video Games That Make Me Think About President Harry Truman.
Why is my alias on here Harry Truman?
I once read David McCullough's biography on the man and it captivated me, I believe it is Mr. McCullough's masterpiece. It's really that simple. Truman is one of my historical heroes. "Great man history" is a dirty word these days, but it's unfair, because while history is of course nuanced and intricate, great men and women should be appreciated. Truman is one of these people to me.
An odd consequence of enjoying history is that I sometimes find myself pondering about incredibly mundane "what-if" scenarios involving my heroes. Initially, I framed this piece as what kind of video games Truman would have enjoyed. Then I realized, no matter how much you study a person, you'll never truly understand a human without actually knowing them. So instead, I present to you: video games that make me think about America's 33rd President, Harry S. Truman.
Looking at his upbringing and cultural background, Truman's origins weren't uncommon for the time. Born in 1884 he spent much of his youth in Missouri helping out on the family farm. David McCullough describes Truman as the last 19th century president. A man who loved honest living and classical music. "If something is worth doing, it's worth doing right." Was an expression he would use.
This makes me think about Stardew Valley. I don't play it myself, but I know it embodies a culture Truman would have appreciated. In the game, you restore a family farm that a relative left you in their inheritance. It's a wholesome game. The game isn't exclusively about doing humble farm work, it's about loyalty and building relationships with your community, even romantic ones (Truman was madly in love with his wife, Bess, idolizing and chasing her for a time before they eventually got together).
Another Truman title is Battlefield 1. There aren't a lot of World War 1 video games, and most have a (justifiably) darker tone. I wouldn't say Battlefield 1 glorifies The Great War, but considering the sum total of WW1 games, BF1 certainly feels the most "spectacle entertainment product" of the bunch.
Like many historical leaders, Truman served with honor in the military. He got to the European theater near the tail end of the war, and from what Ive gathered, he had that starry eyed American boy scout attitude about the entire conflict (I say this with nothing but reverence and respect). Reportedly, he enjoyed singing songs about the "Yankees" marching through and was very proud and excited for his grand adventure. Truman lived up to his anticipation with distinction, teaching himself calculus skills needed for the artillery in those days, and serving as a company captain (back then, captains were voted on by the men, which is telling).
Brevity is a virtue I'm trying to improve upon, so I'll conclude with one last game, Fallout New Vegas. The last two titles were based on my adoration of the man. I chose New Vegas for a more contemplative reason. Without giving too much detail for those that haven't played, there's a section in one of the expansion packs of FNV where the player has the option to choose whether or not to launch nuclear missiles.
Perhaps unfortunately, Truman is most known for his decision to go forward with unleashing the atomic bomb. He knew nothing about the project, only being informed of its existence after his predecessor (Franklin Delano Roosevelt) died, and he was sworn into the presidency. Truman said to FDR's wife "Is there anything I can do to help?" To which Eleanor Roosevelt replied "Is there anything we can do for YOU? For you are the one in trouble now".
The decision, and fates of millions of lives, were dropped onto his lap. It is to this day, "the most awful responsibility". Every time I play that section of New Vegas, Its sobering to think how he must have felt.
Thanks for your time,
- 33rd President