Which U.S. president relieved General Douglas MacArthur of command during the Korean War?

• A. Dwight D. Eisenhower
• B. Harry S. Truman
• C. Richard Nixon
• D. John F. Kennedy

Answer: (B)

The key idea is civilian control of the military. In the Korean War, General Douglas MacArthur pushed for widening the conflict—advocating actions like attacking China and even using nuclear weapons—and publicly criticized the administration’s strategy. President Harry S. Truman determined that such insubordination and public disagreement undermined policy and could escalate the war beyond what civilian leaders were willing to authorize. He relieved MacArthur of command in 1951 to maintain authority in civilian hands and keep the war plans consistent with presidential decisions. The other presidents listed were not the ones who made this decision.