Ugly stuff.. There's a reason William Manchester entitled his biography of MacArthur, "American Caesar." People always think the Yalu in '50 was his "Rubicon", which he in the end did not cross, and accepted his dismissal as commander in Korea and returned to civilian life. But the Anacostia River in '32 was a better fit. He ignored Hoover's orders not to cross it, and instead used force against veterans-protestors. Hoover should have fired him on the spot, But Hoover showed his lack of spine, and allowed it to happen.
MacArthur reportedly said he didn’t “have time for pieces of paper when conducting war” in the DC protests. Eisenhower is quoted calling him a “dumb s.o.b.”
Josh great story telling. weaving in the bonus army and racist attitudes towards immigrants 100 years ago with parallels today. Good reminder too about the racism of Otis Chandler and the LA times back then. I read Prodigal Son about his grandson Otis and the family, and it is so clear they were the Fox News of media back then (not alone) reactionary right wing. Shameful how leaders like MacArthur and Hoover treated veterans starving in the depression
Ugly stuff.. There's a reason William Manchester entitled his biography of MacArthur, "American Caesar." People always think the Yalu in '50 was his "Rubicon", which he in the end did not cross, and accepted his dismissal as commander in Korea and returned to civilian life. But the Anacostia River in '32 was a better fit. He ignored Hoover's orders not to cross it, and instead used force against veterans-protestors. Hoover should have fired him on the spot, But Hoover showed his lack of spine, and allowed it to happen.
MacArthur reportedly said he didn’t “have time for pieces of paper when conducting war” in the DC protests. Eisenhower is quoted calling him a “dumb s.o.b.”
No parallels to today. ;)
Had never crossed my mind :)
Great piece Josh. I had never put together that MacArthur driving out the Bonus marchers coincided with LA32. How timely can you get.
Josh great story telling. weaving in the bonus army and racist attitudes towards immigrants 100 years ago with parallels today. Good reminder too about the racism of Otis Chandler and the LA times back then. I read Prodigal Son about his grandson Otis and the family, and it is so clear they were the Fox News of media back then (not alone) reactionary right wing. Shameful how leaders like MacArthur and Hoover treated veterans starving in the depression
Great chapter.
Interesting historical context. Thank Josh
disgusting... seems like we just will never learn...