loader from loading.io

General MacArthur’s War Path with Walter Borneman

AMSEcast

Release Date: 06/04/2025

ASME Science Report with Marc Wortman show art ASME Science Report with Marc Wortman

AMSEcast

info_outline AMSE Science Report with Marc Wortman show art AMSE Science Report with Marc Wortman

AMSEcast

info_outline AMSE Science Report with Richard Ellis show art AMSE Science Report with Richard Ellis

AMSEcast

Author Richard Ellis speaks about his latest book The Quest for the Cosmic Dawn. A breakdown of the earliest moments of our celestial cosmic soup.

info_outline When the River Ran Backward with Jay Feldman show art When the River Ran Backward with Jay Feldman

AMSEcast

Author and historian Jay Feldman joins host Alan Lowe to discuss When the Mississippi Ran Backwards, his gripping account of the 1811–1812 New Madrid earthquakes. Alan and Feldman explore the quakes’ massive impact, including over 2,000 tremors felt across 1.5 million square miles, and the deep historical context behind them. He explains the ancient origins of the Reelfoot Rift, Tecumseh’s eerie quake prophecy, and how early steamboat travel intersected with disaster. Feldman also recounts a horrific crime against an enslaved teenager, exposed by the quakes, and touches on ongoing...

info_outline AMSEcast with guest Norm Augustine show art AMSEcast with guest Norm Augustine

AMSEcast

In this episode, Mr. Lowe interviews Mr. Augustine. They discuss a variety of fascinating roles that Mr. Augustine has served in over the course of his career. At Princeton he was advised to consider geological engineering but would go on to change his major to aeronautical engineering as he was advised by a peer “that is where the future was.” The range of topics they discuss include American competitiveness, the challenge of putting people on the moon, international travel, the importance of individual talent and the drive to achieve. Undertaking work in the sciences in the context of...

info_outline AMSE Science Report with guest Jack Kelly show art AMSE Science Report with guest Jack Kelly

AMSEcast

In this excerpt from our podcast, AMSEcast, Jack Kelly, author of Gunpowder: Alchemy, Bombards, and Pyrotechnics: The History of the Explosive that Changed the World. Discusses one of the most innovative and compounds ever manufactured.

info_outline STEM of History with Dr. Todd Braje show art STEM of History with Dr. Todd Braje

AMSEcast

Dr. Todd Braje, the Executive Director of the University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History, discusses his book, Understanding Imperiled Earth. He shows how analyzing data from many disciplines, such as archaeology and history, can help address some of the environmental challenges we face today.

info_outline STEM of History The Science of Archives show art STEM of History The Science of Archives

AMSEcast

We have a great conversation with Lorraine Daston editor of Science in the Archives: Pasts, Presents, Futures.

info_outline Connecting Cultures and Cosmos with Ed Krupp show art Connecting Cultures and Cosmos with Ed Krupp

AMSEcast

Dr. E.C. “Ed” Krupp joins Alan on this episode of AMSEcast to discuss the Griffith Observatory and his role as its longtime director. Now in its 90th year, the observatory remains a hub for public astronomy, drawing over 1.6 million visitors annually. Ed shares its educational mission, including a fifth-grade program and immersive exhibits like “Water is Life.” He also discusses archaeoastronomy, the cross-disciplinary study of ancient skywatching, and how visiting historical sites deepens our understanding of past cultures. From the Hopi village of Walpi to upcoming lunar livestreams...

info_outline The keys to innovation show art The keys to innovation

AMSEcast

Highlights of conversations about innovation from AMSEcast. The Podcast of the American Museum of Science and Energy.

info_outline
 
More Episodes
Alan talks with historian Walter Borneman about his book MacArthur at War: World War II in the Pacific. They examine General Douglas MacArthur’s early career, his leadership in the Philippines, and his strategic command from Australia. Borneman discusses MacArthur’s evolving coordination with the Navy, his key role in island-hopping operations, and his push to reclaim the Philippines. They also explore MacArthur’s late awareness of the atomic bomb, his post-war leadership as Supreme Commander in Japan, and his legacy as a pioneering military strategist and symbol of American resolve during World War II.
 
 
Guest Bio
Walter Borneman is an award-winning historian and author with a passion for bringing pivotal moments in American history to life. He earned his history degree from Western State College of Colorado and a law degree from the University of Denver. Borneman is the author of several acclaimed books, including The Admirals: Nimitz, Halsey, Leahy, and King and Polk: The Man Who Transformed the Presidency and America.
 
 
Show Highlights
  • (1:22) Why MacArthur assumed the role of Field Marshal in the army of the Philippines
  • (7:36) The evolution of MacArthur’s role in Australia and the Pacific Command
  • (12:24) MacArthur’s role in formulating and then implementing the island-hopping plan
  • (15:07) Why Walter thinks the Battle of Leyte Gulf may have been the greatest victory ever won by the United States Navy
  • (17:39) MacArthur’s role in planning the invasion of the Japanese home islands
  • (20:05) When he learned about the atomic bomb and his views on its use in the war
  • (22:13) Why he was appointed the supreme commander of the Allied powers in Japan
  • (25:22) How Walter Boneman would define MacArthur’s legacy in World War II
  • (27:20) What Walter is working on next
 
 
Links Referenced