Macarthur Vs Macarthur

The political climate in the United States during the post-World War II era, was based off of rhetoric and propaganda purposely spread by the Truman administration. The goal of influencing Congress and the American people of how real the threat of communism was became apparent with the introduction of the Truman Doctrine. In presenting the doctrine, the President emphatically asked Americans to commit to a world-wide anti-communist movement that continues to guide foreign policy to this day. The firing of Douglas MacArthur, an influential and popular General due to his accomplishments of World War II, is arguably a contradiction of the fight against communism, as MacArthur was a proven opponent (LaFeber, 2008). So why was he dismissed?
The controversy between the President and General MacArthur started well before Harry …show more content…
It was interesting that his popularity among American citizens and politicians prompted an investigation of the case known as MacArthur vs Truman. It became apparent during proceedings that the status MacArthur had achieved coupled with the fourteen years spent abroad would not allow him to understand the social and political views of the nation. Basically the General felt war was the answer to American foreign policy. He did not grasp the interworking of European Affairs or NATO and the Truman team was well prepared as their agenda in the Pacific was well documented. The firing of Douglas MacArthur, an influential and popular General due to his accomplishments of World War II, is arguably a contradiction of the fight against communism, as MacArthur was a proven opponent. His Back Door Politics showed condescension and lack of respect for the Presidency and policies of the administration, which left the President with no other options other than to look weak in the eyes of his constituents, both for and against