A Review on American Ceasar

7/29/2019 A Review on American Ceasar

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A REVIEW ON AMERICAN CAESAR: DOUGLAS MCARTHUR

Author: William ManchesterISBN: 0-316-54498-1

Reviewer: JOSELITO CENTINA GACUTAN

Review Date: 17 SEPTEMBER 2012

Chapter 1: Ruffles and Flourishes

Introduction:

Douglas McArthur portrayed as an outstanding student during his

schools days and became greater as he entered the military school. He saw

the real life and experienced different things which he could use for what

others saw in him.

Body:

William Manchester calls Douglas MacArthur an American Caesar.

Manchester coined the metaphor largely to portray MacArthur as an American

emperor with parallels to the famous roman general.

Manchester fails to recognize, however, that MacArthurs real parallel with

Caesar has its roots in Greece, not Rome. It is hubris, the heros fatal tragic flaw in

Greek tragedy, which results in his ultimate downfall. Caesar who nobly served the

roman Republic as a general, later as its emperor, changed that democratic republic

to a dictatorship. This change signaled the demise of both Caesar and the Empire.

As a child, Douglas's family moved around a lot. He remembers life in the

West. He and his brother were schooled by their mother and there were always

plenty of books to read. When he was eight his father was transferred to

Leavenworth, where Douglas attended school. He was bored with school until he

attended the West Texas Military Academy where he became an outstanding

student.


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MacArthur enters then United States Military Academy at West Point, New

York on June 13, 1899. The first three weeks at West Point were the hardest

because of hazing. He had to testify at a Congressional investigation when one of

the plebes died from an act of hazing. He himself suffered convulsions. His first year

roommate was Arthur P.S. Hyde. During his four years, he was on the baseball and

football team. He graduated at the top of his class.

MacArthurs hubris is a complex mix of ego, personal motivations, phobias

and power. Ironically, MacArthurs career successes prior to the war created a myth

of infallibility, and the legend of a n intellectual genius and courageous hero.

Tragically, he began to believe the myth and tried throughout the war to live up to the

legend.

MacArthurs sense of his own infallibility and his tendency to define right and

wrong in absolute terms were a dangerous combination. He was confident that he

could solve any problem, that all problems had only one solution and that his solution

was the right one. It was inconceivable that he could be wrong. He often dismissed

constructive opposition as personal attacks rather than objective advice, thereby

rationalizing his rejection of otherwise sound alternatives. Perhaps this explains why

he surrounded himself with a staff that carefully filtered all input to him and rarely

gave him anything other than what he wanted to hear. These faults aside, however,

it was MacArthurs overconfidence, his over-reliance on his own judgment and

abilities, and his willingness to prosecute the war based on personal and political

rather than purely military motives that reflected MacArthurs hubris. This hubris

led to MacArthurs first battlefield failure in a forty-two year military career, his defeat

in the Philippines. He subsequently became obsesses with erasing this personal

failure. It clouded his professional judgment for the remainder of the war to the


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extent that his personal goal of retaking the Philippines became more important than

national military strategy.

Conclusion:

William Manchester described McArthur as a person who used his own

personal judgment of all things he do. He doesnt accept others opinion about of

what he says but he took it as a second thought. He covered his own mistakes by

retaking our country as more important rather than military strategy.

Chapter II: Charge

Introduction:

McArthurs achievement in military and endeavor in America. His well

performance and good advices was used by America.

Body:

The war in France consisted of trench warfare. In 1914, the French were

losing the war and in retreat. Douglas MacArthur sailed for Europe in October 1917.

His 42nd group was positioned at Nancy and destined to be used as replacements,

which MacArthur protested. At this point he was very popular with the men who

served with and under him. They were a part of what was known as the Rainbow

under the command of General John J. Pershing.

The Rainbow fought against the German spring offensive. MacArthur refused

to carry a gas mask and as a result was injured in March. Pershing thought he

obtained better performance from his officers by making unexpected visits and

criticizing them. He did this to MacArthur.


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Had it not been for World War II and Korea, Douglas MacArthur might today

be considered one of Americas greatest generals. When he retired as Chief of Staff

of the Army in 1934, it marked the culmination of a brilliant military career.

Everything Douglas MacArthur did, he did well. He had been a total success at

every job or mission.

His drive and ambition in public life was his attempt to live up to the legacy of

excellence left him by his family. MacArthur was descended from a thousand years

of ancient warriors of the Scottish Highlands. His grandfather was Governor of

Wisconsin and an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia.

His father won the Medal of Honor at Missionary Ridge in the Civil War, was the

youngest officer, at age nineteen, to attain the rank of colonel in the Union Army, and

continued to serve with distinction in the Army, ultimately being appointed

Commanding General and Military Governor of the Philippines.

Douglas MacArthurs meteoric career was just as distinguished as he followed

in the footsteps of his famous ancestors. He graduated from the United States

Military Academy at West Point in 1903 as First Captain of the Corps of Cadets and

with one of the highest academic records in Academy history. As a junior officer he

saw combat action in the Philippines and Mexico. As a colonel he devised the

concept for the Rainbow Division in world War I and served in the Division in France

as Brigade Commander, and later as Assistant Division and Division Commander.

During the war he earned more awards for gallantry than any other officer, earning

seven Silver Stars, two distinguished Service Crosses, the Distinguished Service

Medal and two Purple hearts. After the war, as Superintendent of the of the United

States Military Academy, he modernized and restructured the curriculum. According

to most accounts, he was the only officer, at Billy Mitchells Court Martial to vote for


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acquittal. As chief of Staff of the Army, he fought valiantly to preserve funding for the

Army during the difficult depression years.

Thus before the Japanese ever dropped the first bomb on Pearl harbor,

Douglas MacArthur had already completed a fantastic career virtually devoid of

failure and was quietly serving out his retirement as Field Marshal in the Philippines.

MacArthur was accustomed to success. He had experienced nothing else. In 1941

it was only reasonable for him to trust his own skills as a professional soldier. Even

the most modest men are seduced by success, and MacArthur was neither an

exception nor modest.

History and the people who make history are driven by relationships of time

and space. All events and decisions must be considered in such context. Having

served as Chief of Staff of the Army, it was only natural for MacArthur to believe he

understood the nature and politics of the job. Many of the officers who would hold

key positions during World War II, such as Eisenhower and Marshall, were junior to

MacArthur, and in the case of Eisenhower, had even worked for the General.

MacArthur was well acquainted with Franklin Roosevelt from long conversations,

often having nothing to do with military affairs, the two had engaged in at the white

House when MacArthur was chief of Staff. On one such occasion, MacArthur asked

Roosevelt why he wanted the Generals advice on civilian matters. The President

replied, Douglas to me you are a symbol of the conscience of America. These

facts do not justify MacArthurs behavior during the war, but they do explain how,

from MacArthurs perspective, he might be self-confident and believe himself at least

the equal, if not the superior, of the key decision makers in Washington. If events

prior to World War II had brought MacArthur power and legend, MacArthur would

seek to regain the power and perpetuate the legend during the war.


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Conclusion:

McArthur did everything for America as with the highest military in position. He

used his skills and ability as he conquered, his self-confidence always make others

believe that he had a great idea and decided well for the goodness of his

countrymen. McArthur also do this because he wanted to preserve and follow the

footstep of his ancestors and for legacy too.

Chapter III: Call to Quarters

Introduction:

McArthur became a superintendent of military army school. He

reconstructed the program and routine of school for the goodness of students

who will about to enter.

Body:

After World War I, Pershing decided that the program at West Point needed to

be revamped and appointed Douglas MacArthur as superintendent in June 1919. If

Douglas accepted, he would be confirmed as brigadier general; if he refused, he

would be a major. He accepted the offer and Pinky moved with him. MacArthur

restructured the program and routine at West Point. The plebes now had spending

money and weekend passes. Hazing was strictly forbidden and quickly diminished.

He encouraged sports and expanded the curriculum to include more traditional

academic subjects. He met with the opposition of the board on the introduction of


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more academic subjects. On January 15, 1912, MacArthur's engagement to

Henriette Louise Cromwell Brooks. Pinky wasn't happy about the situation.

Even the most ardent MacArthur critic would concede that professionally the

General never tasted defeat either in war or peace prior to December 1941. On the

other hand even the most strident MacArthur fan must admit that his actions in

connection with the defense of the Philippines at the outbreak of World War II rank

as perhaps MacArthurs worst performance as a military officer. Quite probably the

Philippines would have fallen eventually, regardless of any action taken in theatre,

without reinforcements and resupply. However, it is absolutely certain that the

defense plan MacArthur devised and so poorly executed hastened the defeat of

United States and Filipino forces.

Conclusion:

He had a good plan in school by reconstructing good programs and routine for

students. But others take it as negative because they always see what his

performance in the Philippines. They do criticize McArthurs actions.

Chapter IV: To the Colors, pp. 161-205 Summary and Analysis

Introduction:

McArthurs conquest and eagerness to help Philippines during World

War II. He was sending to see the situation and what he can do unto it.

Body:

The Philippines was made a commonwealth with independence coming in

1946. The Japanese had already conquered Manchuria. MacArthur wanted the job

as high commissioner of the Philippines but wasn't named to the position but was


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named on Quezon's military adviser. Pinky decided to growth him to the Philippines

even though she was eighty-four years old.

Dwight D. Eisenhower would be his chief aide. The Quezon administration in

the Philippines was trying to strengthen their defenses. MacArthur did not agree that

the archipelago was indefensible. The plans they had were known as the Orange

plans. The Filipino first lady gave him a gold baton which made him a field marshal

on August 24, 1936.

When mobilized to fight in 1941, the Filipino Army failed to live up to

MacArthurs expectations. Of the ten Filipino divisions MacArthur had counted on

paper, not one had been completely mobilized by the time the Japanese attached.

Most subordinate units never attained more than 50%-70% authorized strength.

Most divisions went into combat without their field artillery regiment. The 11th

Divisions case was typical: it was scheduled with twenty-four 75mm guns, but that

regiment did not go into action until late December, as the division was withdrawing

to Bataan, and even then had only 60^ of its manpower and eighteen guns

Many factors contributed to the Philippine Armys lack of readiness. The

Joint Army and Navy Board had never pursued a consistent course or established

long-range policy regarding the defense of the Philippines. President Quezon and

the Philippine National assembly de-emphasized the defense program from 1939-

1941, opting instead for a neutralist policy in the event of war. In July, 1940 the War

Department failed to subsidize the Philippine Army as MacArthur had requested.

And lastly, the US Philippine Department failed to give MacArthurs mission even the

nominal support directed by the War Department.


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Conclusion:

McArthurs endeavor in the Philippines was not easy as an appointed one. He

used his skills and tactics and send different colors for the defense of military. But

still the US Philippine Department failed to give him this mission as what he wanted

to have.

Chapter V: Retreat, pp. 205-276 Summary and Analysis

Introduction:

The attacked of Japanese to Pearl Harbor and planned to harm

Philippines. McArthur helped Philippines to survive on the said attacked.

Body:

It was after three in the morning when the attack on Pearl Harbor became

known. There is some confusion as to what happened in the hours after the attack.

MacArthur and others felt that the Japanese wouldn't attack the Philippines and for

more than eight hours there was no order to attack the Japanese. The Japanese

attacked other installations in Asia as the day went on, including Clark in the

Philippines. The attack continued during the week. Most of the United States air fleet

was destroyed. The United States Naval fleet departed from the Philippines.

Germany and Italy declared war on the United States. By Christmas, the Japanese

were on the ground in the Philippines.


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MacArthur blew up many of the bridges to prevent the Japanese from

advancing to Manila. He also told the Quezon family to be prepared to evacuate, if

necessary.

When he was awakened at 3:40AM Sunday morning December 8, MacArthur

was told of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. In his memoirs he writes that My

first impression was that the Japanese might well have suffered a serious setback.

His rationale was that Pearl Harbor was Americas strongest military position in the

Pacific. Its garrison was a mighty one, with Americas best aircraft on strongly

defended fields, adequate warning systems, antiaircraft batteries, backed by our

Pacific Fleet. It is inconceivable that a commander of MacArthurs experience could

have arrived at such a conclusion, even if it was a first impression based on

fragmentary reports. Prudent commanders err on the side of preparedness. But it is

consistent with his belief in the infallibility of his opinions. He had repeatedly and

publicly pronounced that the Japanese would not invade the Philippines and lacked

the power to take on the US in the Pacific. This personal bias obviously influenced

his conclusion even in the face of events to the contrary. Any responsible

commander would have put aside any personal bias in favor of quickly preparing for

a worse case scenario. MacArthur, instead, combines arrogance with paralysis and

did virtually nothing.

Conclusion:

McArthur did everything to cover Philippines not to be as centered to bomb by

Japanese. He prepared our country for this. But of what the Japanese did to Pearl

Harbor and Philippines, America did actions to stop their violence.


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Chapter VI: The Green War, pgs. 277-328 Summary and Analysis

Introduction:

McArthur led the United States battle against the Japanese. He also led

the Philippines to defeat the invaders.

Body:

Maps of the Pacific were a problem because there weren't many. MacArthur now

had the authority to lead the United States battle against the Japanese although it

took five weeks for the Joint Chiefs of Staff to work out the agreement. He was

named Commander in Chief of the Southwest Pacific Area on April 18. Admiral

Chester W. Nimitz was named commander of the Pacific Ocean Areas. MacArthur

was determined to re-capture the Philippines and he assured Quezon that he would

do that.

The American lost Bataan on April 8. During early 1942, the base was being

established for an offensive against the Japanese. On May 6, the Japanese captured

Corregidor. The next day the Death March began in which seven to ten thousand

American and Filipino prisoners died. By June 9, all of the troops in the Philippines

had surrendered.

Conclusion:

McArthur was determined to recapture and to help Philippines with help

of American military forces. The lost of Bataan and the Death March which Filipino

and American experienced. They built base to establish as an offensive against the

Japanese.


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Chapter VII: The Green War

Introduction:

The McArthurs Ishall return in the Philippines. His personal quest in

retaking Philippines makes him eager to return.

Body:

After the fall of Guadalcanal, MacArthur was placed in change of all Allied

forces in the Southwest and South Pacific. In April 1943 there were plans for the

invasion of New Georgia and then to Bougainville. The Allied forces were trapped on

some of the islands where MacArthur's forces didn't go. He did not engage in island-

hopping. MacArthur moved his base to Hollandia in New Guinea on August 30,

1944. Jean entertained Eleanor Roosevelt on the island, since Douglas was away at

Port Moresby. Jean was embarrassed by someone's comment about MacArthur

running on the Republican ticket, but must of it consisted of right win extremists. He

was viewed as a threat by many intellectuals. MacArthur was finally advised to finish

out the war and said he had no interest in politics.

From the first day MacArthur arrived in Australia after his daring escape from

Corregidor, retaking the Philippines became his personal quest. The office of War

Information thought the phrase (I shall Return) as good one but asked MacArthurs

permission to change it to We Shall Return. He refused permission. And so I shall

Return, it stayed. The emphasis on I would become more pronounced as the war

went on. Douglas MacArthur would personally avenge the defeat in the Philippines,

regardless of US National Strategy that focused on Europe first. He instead believed

that Asia was the key to US future interests and should, therefore, receive first

priority. This fundamental difference between MacArthur and Washington regarding


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their thrust of US foreign policy would continue throughout the war and for the next

decade, culminating in the Generals reliefin Korea.

Conclusion:

McArthur says a phrase in the Philippines made an issue in America. They

said he had to use we instead of I. He would personally avenge the defeat in the

Philippines without the help of US forces.

Chapter VIII: At High Port

Introduction:

Of what Filipinos experienced in time of Japanese invasion and attack in

our country, it does not change the everyday living of individual. it doesnt

have anything to do to change our customs and traditions and also the people

who help us to be protected.

Body:

The everyday life of the Filipinos was not affected much by the war even after

three years of war. The Japanese were among them but their customs and lives

were unchanged. The only exceptions were the guerrillas and the collaborators.

There were atrocities by the Japanese that MacArthur found out about. He vowed to

free the archipelago and word of this reached the people. There was a strong

resistance movement in the rural areas. MacArthur represented hope to them.

The collaborators including the wealthy. They didn't want their lifestyle to

change and basically consented to the puppet government. Some felt these people

should face the consequences of their collaborations: other felt they had no choice.

The Japanese were determined not to let MacArthur's establish as base in the


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Philippines. MacArthur's forces were gathering at Manus and Hollandia where the

Japanese tried attacking them and lost. MacArthur returned to the Rock on March 2.

MacArthur now had to deal with the issue of the collaborators. Osemona, who was

slated to be President, left the problem to MacArthur who basically blocked their

prosecution. Jean returned with seven year old Arthur at the end of February. They

had been separated from MacArthur for four months and Jean was happy to be back

in the city. Since the schools had been demolished, they an English private teacher,

Mrs. Phyllis Gibbons, to tutor Arthur. The United States command did not have plans

to liberate the Philippines beyond Luzon but they did not stop MacArthur. The entire

archipelago was liberated by July 5. MacArthur made a few trips to visit the troops

but, aside from that, preferred to spend the time with her family.

At this time the Japanese people were still convinced that they were winning

the war. MacArthur entered Tokyo six days after the surrender. The Japanese had

suffered the worst defeat in history in terms of causalities. At this time, MacArthur

was second in popularity only to Eisenhower with the United States public.

MacArthur began to establish democracy in Japan. He had authority over the

function of Hiroshito. He could also outlaw political parties and dissolve the Diet. He

was seen in public quite a bit and was popular with the Japanese people. He

established his headquarters in an insurance building which became known as Dai

Ichi. Douglas liked to receive visitors and always made them feel welcome.

MacArthur had received almost every possible military decoration. He surprised

some people by his lack of political ambitions, but he stayed on in Japan to help

establish the past war government. The Japanese never ceased being ruled by their

own leaders.


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Conclusion:

The Japanese didnt let McArthur to win in their battle as if he was acting as

leader of it. He was too far to his family but it does not end its feeling to end up with

defeat. He drawn his out of will to enter the politics and continue his willingness to

help the Philippines.

Chapter IX: Last Post

Introduction:

McArthurs decision had not given an approval in retaking the rest of the

Philippines. This trigger him make a decision without the consent of US.

Body:

On 3 October 1944, the JCS authorized MacArthur to conduct the Luzon

operation. They had not given approval to retake the rest of the Philippines or to

move against the remainder of the cutch East Indies. In fact at the Yalta conference

in February, 1945 the JCS assured the British that the United States had no such

intentions. MacArthur, however, had been independently working on his victor Plan

and his Oboc plan, respectively, that would do exactly that rather than leave the two

island groupings to wilt on the vine, As early as September, 1944, MacArthur had

decided to use his Eight Army to take the rest of the Philippine south of Luzon as

soon as his sixth Army had control of Northern Luzon. Without approval from the

JCS and while the Sixth Army was taking heavy losses around Manila and at other

strong points, MacArthur gave the order. By the time the JCS finally authorized the


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operation it was long after the fact and the Eight Army had all but competed the

southern campaign. The Japanese had not repeated MacArthurs error and

attempted to defend the beaches. Instead, they had withdrawn to interior strong

points, forming a defense in depth. After landing on Luzon at Llingayen Gulf on 9

January, MacArthur though Manila would quickly fall and in fact made every effort to

capture the city by his birthday on 26 January. But over 20,000 Japanese Army and

Navy troops elected to use the city to anchor their defense, resulting in a bloody

battle that lasted from February 23rd to March 3rd. In the fight for Manila the US lost

1,010 KIA, the Japanese 1600 KIA, an estimated 100,000 had been killed. It is

difficult to say what would have happened had the Eight Army not been pulled away

from the major fight on Luzon. But it is fair to say that MacArthur did not have

permission to conduct the attack to the south, and this attack violated his own policy

of bypassing and isolating garrisons. He also grossly underestimated the resistance

on Luzon. And lastly, no operation should be so trivialized that it includes its

commanders birthday as part of its timetable.

Conclusion:

McArthur became over in sending the troop without the knowledge or go-

signal of the US official. He made decision by himself. And this decision made the

attacked which violated his own policy of bypassing and isolating garrisons and harm

people.

Chapter X: Sunset Gun

Introduction:


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McArthur enters Korea during the invasion of North to South. He was

appointed to help Americans to evacuate. He was told to supply more troops

and support South Korea.

Body:

The North Korean invasion of South Korea was interpreted as an all out

offensive. The United Nations Security Council condemned the aggression and the

United States vowed to enter the war. MacArthur was placed in charge and ordered

to evacuate two thousand Americans. Truman worried about retaliation in other

places from the Communists. MacArthur was told to supply and support the South

Koreans. He traveled to the Korean front on the fourth day of the war. Four reporters

went with. It was the first of seventeen trips he would make. After a report to

Washington, MacArthur was given the authority to use American troops to attack

North Korean targets.

Conclusion:

McArthur was appointed to evacuate American troops. He was also

given an authority to use troops from America to attack North Korea as a target. This

was during the unexpected invasion of North to South to its own division.

Chapter XI: Recall

Introduction:

McArthurs claiming that he choose orders but dont obey it but instead

do what he usually do as what military tactics he exercise.

Body:


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MacArthur drove around the country in 1952 having received many invitations

from governors and mayors. There were numerous parades and the MacArthurs

received gifts where ever they went. Douglas gave speeches. MacArthur

campaigned against the administration. There was talk of MacArthur being

considered as a possible presidential candidate and was chosen to given the

keynote address at the Republican convention. MacArthur thought he was a better

choice than Eisenhower, but Eisenhower received the nomination and went on to win

the election. MacArthur remained popular with the public.

Jean and Douglas hoped that Arthur would attend West Point someday, but

he never did. He eventually attended and graduated from Columbia in 1961. He

remained in Manhattan after his father's death living under an assumed name.

As the war progressed a pattern developed with regard to MacArthurs

performance as a theatre commander that went unchecked and unchallenged. He

began the war, just recently recalled to active duty from retirement, but with the

reputation as a Far East expert and perhaps the greatest living figure in the U.S.

Army. His genius was widely accepted; so too was his courage. By 1941, MacArthur

had been in the military for forty-two years, twenty-three as a general officer. He had

been successful at every stage of his career, and with success had come

recognition, confidence and optimism. Tragically that self-confidence grew like a

cancer into "hubris." A strength became a weakness. Self-confidence became

overconfidence and then became infallibility. In 1941, MacArthur largely ignored

warnings of imminent Japanese attack against the United States or its territories in

the Far East, because he did not believe such was the Japanese intent. For, the

most part he dismissed intelligence and directives from Washington. Just prior to the


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