The General vs. the President by H.W. Brands

Cold War - Political aspects - United States.

Presidents - United States - Biography.

Truman, Harry S, 1884-1972 - Political and social views.Nuclear warfare - Government policy - United States - History - 20th century.MacArthur, Douglas, 1880-1964 - Political and social views.Korean War, 1950-1953 - Diplomatic history.the president Title remainder MacArthur and Truman at the brink of nuclear war Statement of responsibility H.W. the president : MacArthur and Truman at the brink of nuclear war Title The general vs. The contest of wills between these two characters unfolds against the backdrop of a faraway war and terrors conjured at home by Joseph McCarthy In the nuclear era, when the Soviets, too, had the bomb, the specter of a catastrophic third World War lurked close on the horizon. The lessons he drew from World War II were absolute: appeasement leads to disaster and a showdown with the communists was inevitable - the sooner the better.

General MacArthur, by contrast, was incredibly popular, as untouchable as any officer has ever been in America. Heir to a struggling economy, a ruined Europe, and increasing tension with the Soviet Union, on no issue was the path ahead clear and easy. Truman was one of the most unpopular presidents in American history. A correction quickly followed, but the damage was done two visions for America's path forward were clearly in opposition, and one man would have to make way. forces, had his finger on the nuclear trigger. When asked by a reporter about the possible use of atomic weapons in response to China's entry into the war, Truman replied testily, 'The military commander in the field will have charge of the use of the weapons, as he always has.' This suggested that General Douglas MacArthur, the commander of the American and U.N. Truman committed a gaffe that sent shock waves around the world. At the height of the Korean War, President Harry S. Brands comes the story of how President Harry Truman and General Douglas MacArthur squared off to decide America's future in the aftermath of World War II.

The General vs. the President by H.W. Brands