General Douglas Macarthur: A Career of Defiance
Submission Type
Event
Expected Graduation Date
2015
Location
Room E102, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University
Start Date
4-18-2015 10:00 AM
End Date
4-18-2015 11:00 AM
Disciplines
History | Military History | United States History
Abstract
General Douglas MacArthur can be considered one of the premier military generals in United States history. However, MacArthur gained his renowned reputation through insubordination. MacArthur was inherently defiant. He consistently disobeyed the orders of his superiors, yet escaped disciplinary action. It was not until the Korean War that President Truman fired MacArthur and replaced him with General Matthew Ridgeway. It is troublesome that a man who so regularly disobeyed direct orders accomplished and sustained such success. My research seeks to understand why MacArthur was never cited for insubordination prior to his relief in April 1951. Evidence suggests that MacArthur’s political allies, overwhelming national support, and military brilliance secured his job. It was not until his disobedience threatened U.S. security that he was relieved of command.
General Douglas Macarthur: A Career of Defiance
Room E102, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University
General Douglas MacArthur can be considered one of the premier military generals in United States history. However, MacArthur gained his renowned reputation through insubordination. MacArthur was inherently defiant. He consistently disobeyed the orders of his superiors, yet escaped disciplinary action. It was not until the Korean War that President Truman fired MacArthur and replaced him with General Matthew Ridgeway. It is troublesome that a man who so regularly disobeyed direct orders accomplished and sustained such success. My research seeks to understand why MacArthur was never cited for insubordination prior to his relief in April 1951. Evidence suggests that MacArthur’s political allies, overwhelming national support, and military brilliance secured his job. It was not until his disobedience threatened U.S. security that he was relieved of command.