Douglas MacArthur
Item
Full name
Douglas MacArthur
Biography
In 1932, MacArthur was the Chief of Staff of the Army when a group of veterans called the Bonus Army converged on Washington to demand payment of bonuses by Congress. On July 28 the protesters clashed violently with police, resulting in the death of two men, William Hushka and Eric Carlson. President Hoover ordered General MacArthur to evict the protesters. Accompanying the troops, MacArthur was present as they advanced using gas, tanks, and bayonets to clear out protesters who fought back with bricks and rocks. Though no shots were fired, the event hurt MacArthur’s public image.
Born into a military family, Douglas MacArthur continued the family tradition of distinguished service, serving in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. In 1925, MacArthur became the youngest Major General in the US Army. During the 1930s, MacArthur served as Chief of Staff of the Army and helped to organized the Civilian Conservation Corps, which created jobs through public works projects during the Great Depression. A few of his many distinctions include receiving the Medal of Honor, becoming the only man ever to become a field marshal in the Philippine Army, and being one of only five men to ever rise to the rank of General of the Army. Additionally, MacArthur oversaw the occupation of Japan after World War II.
Date of Birth
01/26/1880
First Name
Douglas
Last Name
MacArthur
Source
National Archives at St. Louis. View original photograph.
Coverage
1920-1949
Spatial Coverage
Little Rock, Arkansas
Date Submitted
04/05/1964
current project
Military
Creator
Douglas MacArthur
topic
military history
politics & protest