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A REVIEW ON AMERICAN CAESAR: DOUGLAS MCARTHUR Author: William Manchester ISBN: 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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 11 th

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 19391941, 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.

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 I shall 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 islandhopping. 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 relief in 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 gosignal 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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Critics of MacArthur claimed that he choose which orders he would and wouldn't obey. MacArthur disagreed with this. He was given more latitude than other commanders and had a wide base of support in Congress. In March, MacArthur told the press that the Korean situation would end in a stalemate if he didn't receive more troops. He couldn't conduct a new offensive and then said that he didn't think that China had the industry capacity to conduct a war. The present United Nations policy would lead to China's collapse. MacArthur let it be known that he would meet with the opposing commander in chief to end the war within the United States constraints. This was an attempt to intimidate Peking.

Conclusion: People criticized the decisions of McArthur as an offensive in his doing. But instead of what he hears about of things he done, he blame others of his defeat and destructions in what he do. He lasts it by meeting the oppositions to end the said issue.

Chapter XII: Taps Introduction: McArthurs achievement in battle/war made him popular in every place he used to help with. His speech was collaborated as planning to involved himself as candidate.

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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Japanese attack he scuttled a workable but conservative defense plan in favor of his own grandiose scheme that depended on resources, troops and time he didn't have. He was awarded the Medal of Honor- for his efforts in defense of the Philippines, but in actuality left Corregidor, a defeated commander, primarily and personally responsible for its rapid collapse. Unaccustomed to ever failing, with his personal honor and adopted homeland, at stake, MacArthur became obsessed with retaking the Islands. This obsession clouded his objectivity, narrowed his focus and often placed him at odds with his peers in the Pacific, his superiors in the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, D.C., and even the President of the United States regarding the prosecution of national strategy and theatre operations. MacArthur learned from early mistakes of frontal assaults in the Papuan campaign and to his credit switched instead to an envelopment strategy. However, that strategy was not always applied with equal vigor. He used it religiously to get in a position to retake his personal objective--the Philippines, but once there abandoned it, delaying the advance against Japan and costing countless lives, perhaps many more than would have been lost if he had left it to "wither on the vine," as he had done elsewhere. He allowed the Australians to "nullify previous envelopments" by fighting in Borneo because of pressure on him to "use the First Army in combat or send it home." The seeds of MacArthur's performance in Korea were sewn in the Pacific. MacArthur successfully bullied his opinions, policies and strategy through the National Command Authority, using a full range of military, political, and personal arm twisting. He seldom compromised and rarely admitted to being wrong on an issue, even when facts or events proved him to be. He blamed Washington for abandoning the Philippines, and developed an almost paranoid persecution complex which created a tense we-they atmosphere. His actions in Korea were predictable. After

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five years as virtual emperor of Japan, with unquestioned authority and little interference from Washington, he had become an American Caesar. Conclusion: McArthurs performance as a military and send in different country to help against its invaders became his obsession as taking the island of Philippines. His over self-confidence made him more obsessed without listening to others which involved of what hes doing. He covered his unsuccessful endeavor which was said with his own willingness and achievement in Philippines, in addition, in America, he became a legend, hero and an American Caesar.

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