In Chapter 7, McCullough examines Truman’s life and actions in the first years of World War II. The Battle of Britain started in July 1940, and London was subjected to the German Blitz from the air for months. The US, while still officially neutral, increased its support for Britain through Lend-Lease in 1941, offering it supplies and weapons on credit. In June, Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union, and Lend-Lease was extended to the Soviets.

In February 1941, Truman initiated a committee for awarding defense contracts that came to be known as the Senate Special Committee to Investigate the National Defense Program. One of the key goals of the committee was to tackle contracts defined as cost-plus—a type of contract in which suppliers would frequently overcharge. Eventually, this initiative was successful. Truman gained the respect of his colleagues, and the media issued praise. Time magazine said it was “among the outstanding successes of the entire war effort” (328). Some called it “the most successful congressional investigative effort in American history” (331).

The Truman Committee uncovered scandals. For instance, Alcoa, the Aluminum Company of America, a giant in lightweight metals, and Standard Oil, both continued doing business with Nazi Germany.