The General vs. the President

MacArthur and Truman at the Brink of Nuclear War

By: H. W. Brands

Narrated by: Scott Brick

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

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.

Critic reviews

"The General vs. The President is that rare military chronicle that becomes an instant page-turning classic."
—San Antonio Express-News

"Fast-paced, dramatic, and amply illustrates why Truman’s stock has been on the rise in recent decades."
—Boston Globe

"A vivid accounting of an event that was, on the surface, a personality conflict between two strong-minded figures and, at the bottom, a courageous act that solidified civilian authority over the military in wartime."
—Dallas Morning News

"Brands spikes the shadowboxing between [Truman and MacArthur] with vivid dispatches from the battlefield that give his tale a get-along kick."
—TIME

"A highly readable take on the clash of two titanic figures in a period of hair-trigger nuclear tensions . . . History offers few antagonists with such dramatic contrasts, and Brands brings these two to life."
—Los Angeles Times

“Two American heroes tested and tried at their most inspired hours . . . An exciting, well-written comparison study of two American leaders at loggerheads during the Korean War crisis.”
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

History and validation

First, I have to say the Scott Brick could narrate paint drying and make in sound fabulous. That said, this book delves into the world events post World War Two, primarily in the Pacific theater. It is interesting, informative and, at least for me, fun to listen to what was important at the time when I was born. Well written, well laid out and well narrated. A worthwhile investment of your time.

The most illuminating work on an overlooked period

I was engaged from start to finish. A perceptive and concise history of an important but often overlooked period. The personalities of the main players brought vividly to life. The narration was exceptional.

interesting insights

I enjoyed the story of Truman and MacArthur. it could have been called the story of the Korean war. Interesting to see how confidence plays out.

Good but long

Interesting tale of 2 legends but long. I think I'd like the abridged version. But narrated well and excellent history drama.

the personalities behind the forgotten war

A great way to present the Korean War...in terms of its most prominent personalities. Truman and McAuthor