Supreme Commander: MacArthur’s Triumph in Japan

Businessman and historian Morris (American History Revised) argues that success of the occupation of Japan after WWII was primarily due to the enlightened leadership of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, the only American to ever receive the “majestic title” of “Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers.” Mostly derived from first person accounts and secondary sources, Morris examines all of the major achievements of the occupation including MacArthur’s triumphant arrival in Tokyo, his first meeting with the Emperor, the forging of the Japanese Constitution, the Japanese war crimes trials, and the shift in U.S. policy toward economic revival. He analyzes events from the perspective of MacArthur’s decision making and concludes that MacArthur’s actions were most impressive for their effectiveness, stating that “for his performance in Japan, Douglas MacArthur rates a seat of honor.” The book also addresses MacArthur’s personal flaws, most notably his incredible ego and the general disdain he held for—and which was reciprocated by—most of his contemporaries. The conclusion reached is that MacArthur’s successes are that much more incredible because they were accomplished despite his abrasive personality. Morris has produced not just a good general history of the occupation, but a powerful argument that MacArthur continues to warrant his place as one of the great generals in American history. [em](Apr.) [/em]