Website Spotlight: MacArthur

Website URL: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/macarthur/

The parts of this website which I find particularly useful are the following:

I. The Film & More

Interview transcripts. It is hard to choose only a few from this terrific array of interviews. Enjoy!

Primary Sources. These all can be used in different spots in my U.S. History survey course.

The letters "From Mother's Pen" are striking.

II. Special Features

The "Online Poll" of whether President Truman should have fired MacArthur can facilitate some spirited class discussion.

III. Timeline

I am much less enthused about the completeness of this timeline compared to the usual high standard found in other American Experience websites which I use.

IV. Maps

The interactive maps are particularly well done. Maps from three different wars (WWI, WWII, and Korea) remind us of MacArthur's lengthy career.

The Korean War maps beat anything I have seen elsewhere.

V. People & Events

Concise material on the "Bonus March."

Note the article on MacArthur's father's role in the Philippines during the Spanish-American War.

VI. Teacher's Guide

Make your choice from several wonderful suggestions.


On my Learning Professor wiki, this website fits within the following U.S. History survey course module:
http://thelearningprofessor.wikispaces.com/World+War+II