Question about the Korean WAr?

Question

I have this project in the Korean War... anyways if ur not an expert u will not be able to understand the question and also I will be posting more questions ..

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i will say this in like all my questions - Can anyone give me a good thesis statement for the Korean War? I have to write a thesis statement and prove it with primary sources, etc.
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My question is about the Truman-MacArthur controversy.. I need to make a thesis of this and my thesis is going to be like

Truman's decision to dismiss MacArthur is a mistake.

Is this like kinda true?? I don't really get the thing. Do you believe that it was a mistake for Truman to fire MacArthur?? then why is it so?? IS there like any historical proof that MacArthur could have help improve the war ? or anything like that?

Answer 1

Here is the most common point of view among historians, as far as I kow. Truman firing Mcarthur was about the preservation of civilian control over the military. The President (who is accountable to the country in elections) makes the ultimate military decisions. Not a general who isn't elected by anyone.

Also, in addition to being wrong constitutionally, Macarthur was wrong militarily. My understanding is that Macarthur made a strategic mistake in underestimating China's willing to support North Korea.

I would make your thesis that the decision to dismiss MacArthur was important to preserve civilian (and democratic) control over the military and that it was also the right decision militarily as well.

I think Gen. Ridgway is generally considered the hero of the Korean war, Macarthur is regarded as an egomaniac.

Answer 2

I disagree with your thesis statement.

Truman had to dismiss MacArthur because Truman gave an order not to pursue the PRC's troops across the Yalu River, and MacArthur was: 1 - trying to defy the order of his Commander-in-Chief. 2 - Was publicly stating that he knew better than the President. 3 - MacArthur was trying to get Congress to overrule President Truman.

Had MacArthur continued in command, he would probably have manuvered us into a major land war with China, and would we would have been force to accept defeat, or use nuclear weapons to stave off massive defeat at the hands of the Chinese. This would probably have lead to Soviet nuclear intervention and World War III.

MacArthur's biggest problem was that he believed his own press clippings.

Doc

Answer 3

constitutionally not a mistake to fire MacArthur but militarily probably that will argued for 100 years, Inchon was brilliant, but the push toward the Yalu river was not too good, thanks to China. but that's hind sight. it's easier to write a thesis than for him to form a strategy upon unknown factors. lifes a ***** that way.