Truman and MacArthur : Policy, Politics, and the Hunger for Honor and Renown

Truman and MacArthuroffers an objective and comprehensive account of the very public confrontation between President Harry S. Truman and General Douglas MacArthur over the military's role in the conduct of foreign policy. On November 19, 1950, with North Korea's army largely destroyed, Chinese forces crossed the Yalu River, routing the UN forces and forcing them on a long retreat. Hoping to strike a decisive blow, MacArthur pressed the Truman administration for authorization to attack Manchuria and deploy nuclear weapons in Korea. Truman refused, and MacArthur took his case to the press. In March, with the tide of battle turned, Truman notified MacArthur that he intended to initiate cease-fire talks. In an act of insubordination, MacArthur issued an ultimatum to China. On April 11, 1951, Truman relieved him of his command.Viewing these events through the eyes of the participants, this book explores partisan politics in Washington and the political power of military officers in an administration too weak to carry national policy on its own. It also discusses America's relations with European allies and its position toward Formosa (Taiwan), the root of the dispute between Truman and MacArthur.

Michael D. Pearlman was a professor of history at the United States Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth.