Question

While Truman maintained a policy of containment in Korea, MacArthur sought an all-out war for victory.

Answer 1

. MacArthur was convinced he knew the "Asian Mind" and he was positive that the Chinese would never enter the war and if they did, he'd beat them. In reality, MacArthur was relatively uninformed about Asia as a whole. He treated all Asians as if they were alike in their thinking and mentality. He felt that Asian forces would be intimidated by Americans. He was convinced that the forces of Chaing Kai-shek if, given the chance, could whip the forces of Mao.

2. MacArthur had no respect for Truman and operated as if he did not report to the President or a higher authority. Like his father before him and much like George McClellan, he was convinced that he was a genius and that his superiors were bumbling fools who knew nothing.

3. MacArthur and his staff were far from the front and ignored or rationalized intelligence that indicated that Chinese forces were moving into Korea. The Inchon landing was brilliant. But much of the war that MacArthur otherwise fought in Korea was misinformed, tactically inept and poor tactically and strategically. The US military was badly trained and equipped when it entered Korea--and MacArthur owns some responsibility for that as well.