Kate P.

Directions: The Following question requires you to construct a coherent essay that integrates
your interpretation of Documents A-G and your knowledge of the period referred to in the
question. High scores will be earned only by essays that both cite key pieces of evidence from
the documents and draw on outside knowledge of the period.

1. The Korean War brought many controversial issues to the home front. Discuss paying careful
attention to MacArthur’s dismissal and the Election of 1952.

Document A

Source: Harry Truman, “Truman Recalls MacArthur,” April 11, 1951

With deep regret I have concluded that General of the Army Douglas MacArthur is unable to give
his wholehearted support to the policies of the United States government and of the United Nations
in matters pertaining to his official duties. In view of the specific responsibilities imposed upon me
by the Constitution of the United States and the added responsibility which has been entrusted to
me by the United Nations, I have decided, therefore, relieved General MacArthur of his commands
and have designated Lt. Gen. Matthew B. Ridgway as his successor.
Full and vigorous debate on matters of national policy is a vital element in the constitutional
system of our free democracy. It is fundamental, however, that military commanders must be
governed by the policies and directives issued by them in the manner provided by our laws and
Constitution. In time of crisis, this consideration is particularly compelling.
 Document B

Source: General MacArthur, Address to Congress, April 12, 1951

I have constantly called for new political decisions essential to a solution. Efforts have been made
to distort my position. It has been said that I was in effect a warmonger. Nothing could be further
from the truth. I know war as few other men now living know it, and nothing to me is more
revolting. I have long advocated its complete abolition as its very destructiveness on both friend
and foe has rendered it useless as a means of settling international disputes….
I have just left your fighting sons in Korea. They have met all tests there and I can report to you
without reservation they are splendid in every way. It was my constant effort to preserve them
and end this savage conflict honorably and with the least loss of time and a minimum sacrifice of
life.

Document C

Source: Reaction to MacArthur Case, Chicago Daily News, 1951

 Document D

Source: James Reston, “MacArthur Affair Is Found To Have Positive Effect, Too,” The New
York Times, April 26, 1951
Regardless of who is right or wrong about the strategy of the war in the Far East, the
MacArthur incident has had some positive effects. It has removed Secretary of Defense George
C. Marshall’s complaint about public apathy. Two weeks ago, he was saying that the people
had gone asleep, now he is afraid they have gone crazy. It has forced a re-examination of the
Administration’s strategy and war aims in Korea. And it has relieved the allies of one of their
favorite private arguments, namely, that they could not do more in Korea because they did not
like General of the Army Douglas MacArthur’s objectives and did not believe that president
Truman could control him.

Document E

Source: Lindesay Parrott, “MacArthur’s Office Says General Followed All Directives Given
Him,” New York Times, April 12, 1951
In reference to statements by the White House that General MacArthur had not given his
“whole-hearted support” to the policies of the United States and the United Nations, General
Whitney asserted: “The directive of Dec. 6 was not directed to General MacArthur personally
but to all executive agencies of the Government.” Immediately thereafter the General submitted
a proposed communiqué to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who “informed him, among other things,
that it was not necessary to submit communiqués referring to military operations,” the
statement continued. It noted that President Truman, in a press conference Jan. 30, “appeared to
this headquarters specifically to define MacArthur’s authority, but denied there was any curb on
his authority “to speak freely on the Korean War.”

Document F

Source: Dwight Eisenhower, “Man from Abilene,” 1952, Political Ad

YouTube video, please see link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIMqDgKI3c0
 Document G

Source: Dwight Eisenhower, Address at Detroit Michigan, October 24, 1952, Election
Campaign Speech
It [The Korean War] has been a symbol – a telling symbol – about the foreign policy of our
nation. It has been a sign – a warning sign – of the way the administration has conducted our
world affairs. It has been a measure – a damning measure – of the quality of leadership we have
been given…
In the great trial of this election, the judges – the people – must not be deceived into believing
that the choice is between isolationism and internationalism. That is a debate of the dead past…
Today the choice – the real choice – lies between policies that assume that responsibility
awkwardly and fearfully – and policies that accept that responsibility with sure purpose and
firm will. The choice is between foresight and blindness, between doing and apologizing,
between planning and improvising.

End of Documents for Question 1

Relevant Outside Information

Before World War II, MacArthur was stationed in the Philippines where he made some
poor decisions both militarily, including a vast underestimation of the Japanese determination,
and non-militarily, such as breaking US Military code by accepting a gift of half a million dollars
from President Quezon. While in hindsight, MacArthur made many bad choices, he also fought
the best he could given the situation he was in. After the war ended, he was appointed Allied
Commander in Japan with a goal of reconstructing the country. MacArthur is often recognized
as doing great things for Japan through his encouragement of democracy, religious freedom and
civil liberties. He also was successful in redistributing land from powerful feudal families to the
poor peasants, a necessary change in order for Japan to eliminate the previous landlord system.
After World War II, MacArthur led the United States and United Nation’s armies in the
Korean War. Truman originally sent MacArthur to survey the area; however, he quickly went
beyond what was allowed and ordered air force attacks on North Korea. This was just one of
many times MacArthur went beyond the limits of his power. He also expertly led a
counterattack at Inchon and advanced to the North Korean and Chinese border, but was not
expecting a Chinese attack. When the Chinese came, he led his troops in a humiliating flight
back into South Korea. After this event, MacArthur asked for an extension of the war to allow
the troops to fight China. He planned to use Nuclear Weapons in his attack. It was at this point
that Truman dismissed MacArthur. When MacArthur returned home, United States citizens
welcomed him back excitedly. Most supported his actions and looked down upon Truman and
his decision to dismiss MacArthur.
In the election of 1952, Eisenhower said he would get the country out of the Korean War,
which demonstrated clear opposition to the Truman Administration’s policies. He criticized the
Truman Administration not only for what he believed to be its faulty war efforts, but also for its
overall corruption and unbalanced budget.

Document A - Truman Recalls MacArthur

Truman emphasizes the importance of questioning policies laid out by the government,
but that there are limitations to this general rule and MacArthur has stepped beyond these limits.
He does not follow orders given to him by the president and goes beyond the orders and
“specific responsibilities” he is given. It is especially important for MacArthur to follow the
rules outlined by the military “in a time of crisis.” Because MacArthur represents both the United
States and the United Nation’s troops, Truman feels that there is an added pressure to dismiss
MacArthur who has been challenging and stretching the limits of his authority.
Document B – Address to Congress

In MacArthur’s Address to Congress, he talks about his priority – to save American lives
and end the war quickly and efficiently. However, his efforts have been twisted because he often
looked to new ways to find a “solution” to the war, which were not necessarily in his power.
MacArthur’s intentions were all good, as he wanted to end the conflict as soon as possible with
as few lives lost as possible. He felt that by stretching the rules, he could accomplish this goal.

Document C – Reaction to Macarthur Case

This political cartoon shows Truman firing a gun that leads to the MacArthur Discharge.
The cloud around the shot is much larger than the gun and Truman himself, showing that the
dismissal backfired when it caught the attention of the American people. The blast is so
powerful that it knocks Truman off his feet, symbolizing the American people’s anger toward the
decision to dismiss MacArthur.

Document D – MacArthur Affair Is Found To Have Positive Effect, Too

This article talks about the affect MacArthur’s dismissal had on American society. The
controversy over his removal has caused increased awareness of the Korean War. Previously, no
one followed the events of the war closely. Now, the government has society challenging every
decision it makes which makes sure it is the right one. This increased involvement has a positive
impact because the government is encouraged to make careful decisions that are right for the
people, not just for winning the war. Therefore, whether or not MacArthur did a good job in
Korea and deserved to be fired, his dismissal still overall has positive effects on the war effort.

Document E – MacArthur’s Office Says General Followed All Directives Given Him

This article says that Truman gave MacArthur permission to go beyond the
responsibilities outlined for him if MacArthur found action necessary. Truman’s disappointment
in MacArthur’s lack of support for the policies was directed at all executive agencies meaning
MacArthur would not have known Truman had any problems with him specifically and could not
have known to drastically change his ways. The article also claims that Truman falsely accused
MacArthur of making decisions that went beyond the set limits of his position. The Joint Chiefs
of Staffs informed MacArthur that he need not submit his plans for approval and could just carry
them out. Also, Truman criticized MacArthur’s free speech on the Korean War; however there
were no limitations set as to what he could say. These ideas combined show that Truman’s
claims are not grounds for MacArthur’s dismissal, for while they may be true, MacArthur had
permission from Truman’s administration go ahead with unapproved plans and to provide his
honest opinions about the war.

Document F – Man from Abilene

This political ad gives insight into Eisenhower’s disapproval of the Korean War. He
says that while the United States spends much money on war, we are still not adequately
prepared to fight there. The ad shows Eisenhower’s military expertise, both with respect to his
victory on D-Day and his experience negotiating with leaders of Europe and Communist Russia.
This ad shows the divide between Eisenhower and Truman because Eisenhower claims that
Truman made a mistake sending us to war. It is interesting that the ad talks only about the
Korean War, and that Eisenhower’s campaign believed they could win an election without
discussing other policies pertinent to the time. This shows how important of an issue the Korean
War was to many Americans.

Document G - Address at Detroit Michigan

This speech shows the split between Truman and Eisenhower’s policies about the war.
Eisenhower believes Truman’s decisions have symbolized bad leadership and decision making.
Eisenhower promises he will demonstrate good leadership in the Korean War through well
thought out goals that are executed after careful planning.
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