After World War II

As supreme Allied commander of the occupation forces of Japan, 1945–51. MacArthur exercised broad powers for reconstructing the economy and preparing the Japanese for democracy. He introduced sweeping political, economic, and social reforms, such as religious freedom and the emancipation of women, that transformed Japanese life.

Soon after Communist North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950, MacArthur was appointed commander of the United Nations (UN) forces in Korea. He ordered a surprise landing behind enemy lines at Inchon, a brilliant stroke that nearly won the war. Soon, however, Communist Chinese units invaded Korea and forced UN troops to retreat. MacArthur urged a blockade of China, bombing of its Manchurian bases, and use of Nationalist Chinese forces. These tactics were rejected by UN and American policymakers. When MacArthur publicly disputed policy, he was relieved of his duties by President Truman, on April 11, 1951.

MacArthur returned to the United States—the first time since 1937. Huge crowds gave him a hero's welcome. Before a joint session of Congress MacArthur reiterated his views on how to wage the war in Korea. Near the end of his speech, he declared: “Old soldiers never die; they just fade away.”

In 1952 MacArthur sought the Republican Presidential nomination, although he did not officially announce his candidacy. He delivered the keynote address at the party's national convention. Later that year, he became chairman of the board of Remington Rand Inc. (later Sperry Rand Corporation).

Reminiscences, MacArthur's memoirs, appeared in 1964.