The Buck Stops Here: The 28 Toughest Presidential Decisions and How They Changed History

Introduction
"The Buck Stops Here: The 28 Toughest Presidential Decisions and How They Changed History" is a book by Michael Gartner, which explores the most difficult choices dealt with by the U.S. presidents throughout history. Gartner, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, brings to life the defining moments when these leaders were faced with difficult choices that eventually defined their traditions. The book is organized chronologically, highlighting the secret choices by each commander-in-chief.

Washington's Neutrality Proclamation
The author starts with George Washington, the first U.S. president, who needed to make a tough choice concerning America's stance in the ongoing European war in between France and Britain. Washington selected to provide a Neutrality Proclamation, allowing the country to remain unbiased and concentrate on its own growth.

Adams and the Alien & Sedition Acts
John Adams dealt with a difficult decision when he enacted the infamous Alien and Sedition Acts in 1798. These acts intended to curb the influence of foreigners in the United States and limit complimentary speech. Despite being undesirable, Adams thought they were needed for nationwide security.

Jefferson and the Louisiana Purchase
Thomas Jefferson's most substantial decision was the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. For $15 million, he doubled the size of the United States and opened up colonies for settlement. Nevertheless, Jefferson faced criticism for violating his constitutional powers.

Madison and the War of 1812
James Madison selected to declare war on Britain in 1812 due to continuous trade and territorial conflicts, regardless of America's restricted military abilities. The choice was questionable, however Madison felt it was vital for asserting America's independence and rights.

Monroe Doctrine
James Monroe established the Monroe Doctrine in 1823, which warned European powers versus meddling in the American continents. This choice helped shape American foreign policy and solidified the nation's sphere of impact in the Western Hemisphere.

Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation
Abraham Lincoln needed to make the difficult choice to issue the Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War. This declared that all slaves in Confederate-held areas were totally free, an essential choice that changed the war's purpose and prepared for the ultimate abolition of slavery in the United States.

Wilson's Decision to Enter World War I
Woodrow Wilson grappled with the choice to involve the United States in World War I. Although he initially tried to preserve neutrality, increasing attacks on American interests led Wilson to ask Congress to state war on Germany in 1917, a relocation which ultimately caused the end of the dispute and improved world politics.

Truman Drops the Atomic Bomb
Maybe the most controversial decision in American history was made by Harry Truman when he authorized the dropping of atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. This decision resulted in unimaginable destruction, however Truman thought it was needed to end World War II and avoid an expensive ground intrusion.

Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis
When John F. Kennedy discovered Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba in 1962, he dealt with the most tough choice of his presidency. In spite of pressure from military advisors to invade the island, Kennedy pursued a diplomatic option, ultimately avoiding a potential nuclear catastrophe.

Conclusion
"The Buck Stops Here" presents a remarkable expedition of the most vital choices made by American presidents throughout history. Gartner masterfully weaves together narratives from each president's time in workplace, showing the thought processes and consequences of their options. This book supplies valuable insights into the responsibilities and problems that come with being the commander-in-chief, and the ways in which these choices have actually formed America's history. Readers will gain a greater understanding and gratitude of the complexities and challenges faced by the leaders of the United States.