The General vs. the President: MacArthur and Truman at the Brink of Nuclear War

By H. W. Brands

Categories: History, Politics & Social Sciences

Historian H. W. Brands tells the story of the clash between President Harry Truman and General Douglas MacArthur during the Korean War. MacArthur wanted to expand the war against China and use nuclear weapons, while Truman feared a world war. Brands follows their conflict to Truman's decision to fire MacArthur in 1951, a test of civilian control of the military.

Recommended by 1 person

• Shane Parrish: “This book uncovers the relationship between General MacArthur and President Harry Truman in the aftermath of World War II. It’s rare for a military book to not only be this page-turning but also to so brilliantly call to our attention the timeless lessons we can use in our daily lives”