Why did President Truman dismiss General MacArthur during the Korean War?

President Harry S. Truman dismissed General Douglas MacArthur during the Korean War due to a fundamental disagreement over military and political strategy, as well as issues related to civilian control over the military. The conflict between Truman and MacArthur came to a head in early 1951.

1. Disagreement on War Strategy: General MacArthur advocated for a more aggressive approach in the Korean War, including the expansion of the conflict into China. He publicly expressed his views on the need to escalate the war, even suggesting the use of nuclear weapons against China. Truman, on the other hand, was concerned about the possibility of widening the war and risking a confrontation with China or the Soviet Union.
2. Civilian Control of the Military: Truman, as the President of the United States, was committed to the principle of civilian control over the military. MacArthur's public statements and actions, which appeared to challenge or bypass civilian authority, raised concerns about the proper balance between military and civilian leadership.
3. Letter to Congressman Martin: The breaking point came when General MacArthur sent a letter to Congressman Joseph W. Martin, a prominent Republican leader, outlining his disagreements with Truman's war policy. This was seen as a breach of the traditional military chain of command and a challenge to the President's authority.

In response to these factors, President Truman made the decision to relieve General MacArthur of his command on April 11, 1951. Truman appointed General Matthew Ridgway to replace MacArthur as the commander of the United Nations forces in Korea.

Truman's decision to dismiss MacArthur was controversial and led to significant debate and public discussion.