Was General Macarthur Justified

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On April 11, 1951, President Harry S. Truman relieved General Douglas MacArthur of the command of the United States forces in Korea because of his opposing views with the President over the extent of American involvement in the Korean conflict, upsetting many Americans and causing the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to investigate his firing to determine if the firing was justified. Although found to be justified, Truman’s handling of the dismissal lacked diplomacy and caused him to lose popularity with the American public. The dismissal of General MacArthur should not destroy his reputation as one of the greatest generals in American history. General MacArthur’s firing was a result of his insubordination. Many believed that he deserved …show more content…

To see that the security of our country and the free world is not needlessly jeopardized and to prevent a third world war.” (history.com) However, MacArthur believed without further aggression against the Chinese, the war was “only endless destruction and the pointless loss of American lives.” (McGovern, 164) He also believed that the press was using him as a scapegoat for the American losses during the war. Many believed this led him to become more aggressive toward the Chinese. MacArthur had asked the administration for permission to bomb communist China but was denied. He then leaked the news that he planned to use nationalist Chinese forces from Taiwan against China to a Congressman and without consulting Washington, he decided to send an ultimatum to China. Although MacArthur knew this would anger Truman, “In …show more content…

The majority of these letters expressed criticism of the President’s decision. The American people had not been prepared for MacArthur’s sudden dismissal and were quite surprised at his firing. When MacArthur arrived home immediately after his dismissal, he was greeted by half a million people in San Francisco. “MacArthur was being welcomed back to the United States as a conquering hero rather than as a discredited general, and he appeared to be the most popular man in America.” (McGovern, 193) The American people clearly showed much admiration and support for MacArthur despite the explanation given by the administration. In a public speech to Congress, MacArthur challenged and criticized the President but this only seemed to increase rather than decrease his popularity. MacArthur appeared before Congress on April 20, 1951. As the general walked down the aisle toward the podium, members of the Senate and the House, as well as those in the public galleries stood and applauded him. It is estimated that twenty million people were watching on television, which was relatively new at that time. His speech lasted thirty-seven minutes. MacArthur defended accusations against him as a warmonger by saying “I know war as few other men now living know it, and nothing to me is more revolting.” But, he continued, “Once war is

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