Not wanting to expand the conflict, President would not accept MacArthur's urgings to carry the war across the Korean border into Chinese territory. MacArthur, in turn, made public his dissatisfaction with Truman's position. So began a power struggle that culminated in April 1951, with Truman's dismissal of MacArthur for insubordination. While Truman's popularity plummeted, MacArthur returned home to a hero's welcome. In retrospect, however, the consensus among historians is that MacArthur was unwise to challenge Truman as he did, and he left Truman no choice but to fire him. The Korean conflict dragged on for another two years until an armistice was signed on July 27, 1953, which ended the fighting and created a demilitarized zone between North and South Korea.
Today opinions about General MacArthur remain strongly divided. Some remember him as a brilliant tactician and brave soldier. Others recall his arrogance, penchant for self-serving publicity, and intolerance for criticism. However he is remembered, MacArthur remains one of the most compelling figures of the twentieth century.
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