# Governance and Leadership in 1945: A Comparative Examination

The year 1945 marked a significant turning point in global history, shaped by the culmination of World War II and the subsequent shifts in political governance across various nations. This article delves into the different contexts of leadership and governance in 1945, particularly focusing on the United States and Korea, to understand the varying answers to the question of who was in charge during that pivotal year.

## United States: The Presidency of Harry S. Truman

### Early Life and Political Career
Harry S. Truman was born on May 8, 1884, in Lamar, Missouri. After serving in various local political roles, he became a U.S. Senator from Missouri. Truman's political career took a significant turn when he was chosen as Franklin D. Roosevelt's vice-presidential running mate in 1944.

### Ascension to Presidency
Truman assumed the presidency on April 12, 1945, after the sudden death of President Roosevelt. As the 33rd President of the United States, Truman inherited a nation still at war. His presidency commenced during the final stages of World War II, and his decisions would profoundly impact the global structure.

### Major Decisions and Impact
One of his most consequential decisions was authorizing the use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, which led to the surrender of Japan and the end of World War II. Domestically, Truman was responsible for transitioning the U.S. economy from a wartime to a peacetime footing, a challenging task that involved managing both inflation and strikes in major industries.

## Korea: Liberation and Political Transition

### Japanese Occupation
Prior to 1945, Korea had been under Japanese occupation since 1910. During this period, Korea experienced significant economic exploitation and cultural suppression. World War II exacerbated the hardships faced by the Korean populace.

### Liberation and Division
The year 1945 was transformative for Korea. Upon Japan's surrender in August 1945, Korea was liberated from Japanese control. However, the liberation ushered in a new phase of uncertainty. The Korean Peninsula was divided along the 38th parallel, with Soviet forces occupying the north and American forces in the south. This division was initially intended as a temporary administrative convenience but eventually became a long-standing geopolitical divide.

### Governance Transition
Post-liberation, Korea did not immediately establish a unified national government. In the south, the United States military government, officially known as the United States Army Military Government in Korea (USAMGIK), assumed control from 1945 until 1948. This period was marked by significant political and social turmoil, as the military government faced challenges from various nationalist and leftist groups.

During this transitional period, efforts were made by various Korean leaders to establish a viable governance structure. These efforts culminated in the establishment of the Republic of Korea in 1948, led by President Syngman Rhee. Simultaneously, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) was established in the north, led by Kim Il-sung.

## Conclusion
The narrative of who was "in charge" in 1945 varies dramatically depending on national contexts. In the United States, Harry S. Truman is recognized for leading the country through the final stages of World War II and dealing with the war's aftermath. In contrast, Korea's situation in 1945 was characterized by liberation from colonial rule and the beginning of a complex political transition influenced by international forces, which eventually led to the formal establishment of separate governments in 1948. Understanding these diverse historical dynamics offers crucial insights into the global geopolitical landscape during and after World War II.