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The General vs. the President: MacArthur and Truman at the Brink of Nuclear War by H.W. Brands
jeffphilly's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
4.75
I really liked this book as the author effectively chronicling the intense rivalry between Truman and MacArthur. A great deal of emphasis is placed on highlighting the peculiarites of each of the personalities. AS understanding the differing personalities is key to understanding the rivalry. There is also further emphasis placed on understanding the role of a commanding General in the U.S. military and that of a President specifically as they relate to waging war.
duparker's review
3.0
Good overview of the dynamic between McArthur and Truman. Not too much background, just enough to tell the main story.
johndiconsiglio's review against another edition
2.0
Brisk, if not exactly artfully written, recount of the fraught relationship between Harry Truman & Douglas MacArthur. Their largely forgotten skirmish during Korea may well have brought the world close to nuclear war. The author stacks the deck toward the plainspoken president over the brilliant but egomaniacal general (whom I always picture as Gregory Peck). Workmanlike, breaks little new ground. A tendency to let quotes run on endlessly gets old fast. Just the highlights of speeches & statements will suffice, thank you.
rpmasse's review against another edition
4.0
The Korean War is often referred to as "The Forgotten War," but the events leading to and through the first "police action" by the United States had ripple effects that are still felt today. Brands ability to tell the story of conflict, confusion, and hatred between one of the most celebrated Generals in the history of the American Army,Douglas MacArthur, and the 33rd President of the United States, Harry Truman.
Brands takes the readers on a bumpy ride starting at the end of WWII through the Red Scare and beginning of the Cold War to the end of the Korean War in 1953. Which includes Truman's controversial firing of the 5 star general. The book reads like a thriller as you navigate every decision made by the Truman administration in Washington and MacArthur on the ground in Korea. The reader will be constantly weighing the two main characters trying to figure out what side was correct in their decision making.
Americans have a fascination with the United States involvement in World War II and the victory over fascism and the poor decisions that lead to hundreds of thousands of deaths in Vietnam in an attempt to quell world wide communism. But if you want to know how we as a country went from WWII to Vietnam you need to read this book. The groundwork was laid during the Korean conflict and the battle of The General vs. The President.
Brands takes the readers on a bumpy ride starting at the end of WWII through the Red Scare and beginning of the Cold War to the end of the Korean War in 1953. Which includes Truman's controversial firing of the 5 star general. The book reads like a thriller as you navigate every decision made by the Truman administration in Washington and MacArthur on the ground in Korea. The reader will be constantly weighing the two main characters trying to figure out what side was correct in their decision making.
Americans have a fascination with the United States involvement in World War II and the victory over fascism and the poor decisions that lead to hundreds of thousands of deaths in Vietnam in an attempt to quell world wide communism. But if you want to know how we as a country went from WWII to Vietnam you need to read this book. The groundwork was laid during the Korean conflict and the battle of The General vs. The President.
ryanpfw's review
5.0
I very strongly recommend The General vs the President to anyone seeking an education on the origins of the Korean War, the presidency of Harry Truman or a well balanced critique of the former president and General Douglas MacArthur.
Most Truman biographies glorify the man and his “every man” honest schtick. Certainly his modern approval rating shows the success of doing so. Brands shows well the difficult tight rope both men walked, the valid arguments for and against their actions, and portrayed both men sympathetically and frustratingly truthfully, in the 1950s and through their legacies. Very well done!
Most Truman biographies glorify the man and his “every man” honest schtick. Certainly his modern approval rating shows the success of doing so. Brands shows well the difficult tight rope both men walked, the valid arguments for and against their actions, and portrayed both men sympathetically and frustratingly truthfully, in the 1950s and through their legacies. Very well done!
srbolton's review against another edition
5.0
This is a richly woven and well-researched history of Truman and MacArthur’s famous clash over conduct of the Korean War and grand strategy, and the fierce partisan politics and public information campaign that surrounded and ensued. Though Truman’s, like any president’s, policies might be contested after the fact, what is without doubt is that MacArthur’s myopic arrogance led him repeatedly to hubris, and his example in the last years of his command and those following is valuable for its negative representation of servant and strategic leadership. This was a very entertaining read!
bryan8063's review against another edition
3.0
If you don't know much about the relationship between Truman and MacArthur, then this is a good overview. I only had a cursory knowledge, so I learned a lot from Brands. His writing is good; his pace is quick. However, if you have strong knowledge of the subject, then this book might not be for you.
spinnerroweok's review against another edition
3.0
The best part of the book was the near the end reporting the congressional testimony.
I liked it. Not much else to say.
I liked it. Not much else to say.