He was an imperious leader who was so confi dent in his abilities and knowledge about China and allowed no one to challenge his decisions. Americans thought of him as almost a cult leader that he alone could overcome any obstacles in his path. His analysis of the Chinese government told him that they would be afraid to get into a conflict with his authority. The time was 1950 and one of the most tragic mistakes that cost the lives of almost 37,000 American soldiers was driven by 5 star American General named Douglas MacArthur who had just achieved a spectacular victory with a behind the lines landing at the Port of Inchon that broke the back of the North Korean army.
As the American forces rolled North passing the original boundary, the 38th parallel, China was signaling diplomatically through India that they would not allow American forces anywhere close to their border. However, MacArthur assured President Truman that they were bluffing and would not dare challenge the military might of the United States. Truman was apprehensive but no one could challenge the superiority and statue of MacArthur as had been referred to as an American Julius Caeser. He was wrong and 300,000 Chinese soldiers attacked causing the longest retreat in American military history along with 37,000 American casualties.
As we have learned many times since when we hubristically challenge other countries, they will sometimes surprise us by refusing to give in and the cost becomes almost prohibitive.
