From master storyteller and historian H. W. Brands comes the riveting story of how President Harry Truman and General Douglas MacArthur squared off to decide America's future in the aftermath of World War II. At the height of the Korean War; President Harry S. Truman committed a gaffe that sent shock waves around the world. When asked by a reporter about the possible use of atomic weapons in response to China's entry into the war; Truman replied testily; "The military commander in the field will have charge of the use of the weapons; as he always has." This suggested that General Douglas MacArthur; the willful; fearless; and highly decorated commander of the American and U.N. forces; had his finger on the nuclear trigger. A correction quickly followed; but the damage was done; two visions for America's path forward were clearly in opposition; and one man would have to make way.Truman was one of the most unpopular presidents in American history. Heir to a struggling economy; a ruined Europe; and increasing tension with the Soviet Union; on no issue was the path ahead clear and easy. General MacArthur; by contrast; was incredibly popular; as untouchable as any officer has ever been in America. The lessons he drew from World War II were absolute: appeasement leads to disaster and a showdown with the communists was inevitable--the sooner the better. In the nuclear era; when the Soviets; too; had the bomb; the specter of a catastrophic third World War lurked menacingly close on the horizon.The contest of wills between these two titanic characters unfolds against the turbulent backdrop of a faraway war and terrors conjured at home by Joseph McCarthy. From the drama of Stalin's blockade of West Berlin to the daring landing of MacArthur's forces at Inchon to the shocking entrance of China into the war; The General and the President vividly evokes the making of a new American era.
#87591 in Books Cahill; Thomas 2008-03-04 2008-03-04Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.11 x 1.08 x 6.15l; 1.33 #File Name: 0385495560368 pagesAnchor Books
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. and I recommend them to all students of historyBy Sharon in ColoradoNot finished with this yet I admit; but I've read most of his other books in this series. Well written and thought out; unique point of view (if you haven't read "How the Irish Saved Civilization" you need to start with that one; his initial writing in the series) . Professor Cahill's books have introduced me to new ideas; forgotten history; and I recommend them to all students of history. These aren't textbook dry books that are hard to slog through; he keeps the reader interested and I think they would spark a love of history even in those who think they don't like the subject!2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Beautiful Presentation; but no MysteriesBy Asher GabbayThomas Cahill is an academic best known for his "Hinges of History" series. I read the four previous books in the series and written reviews about two of them: "How the Irish Saved Civilization"; "The Gifts of the Jews". The fifth book in the series is about the "Mysteries of the Middle Ages". Cahill takes a different approach in this book. Whilst the first four books centered around one topic (Irish clergy in the Middle Ages; the Jews' contribution to mankind; Jesus and the Ancient Greeks); in this book Cahill picks a few "over arching" themes that; in his mind; define the Middle Ages and writes about them from the perspective of one major city. So Alexandria is used to describe Reason; Bingen and Chartres to describe the worship of the Virgin Mary; Florence - poetry; Ravenna - politics; and so on. The book is also different from the previous ones in its beautiful layout and the images and illustrations that adorn every page. Whilst I don't think Cahill has unearthed any "mysteries" in this book; he deserves credit for the presentation and popular (sometimes too popular) style of writing.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. The books in this series are a joy to read.By SandraYThe books in this series are a joy to read. Cahill really knows how to write history and make it compelling. I have read all of the books and enjoyed everyone.
