American Caesar, Douglas MacArthur, 1880-1964 Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter 1, Ruffles and Flourishes,, pgs. 39-79 Summary

Chapter 1, Ruffles and Flourishes,, pgs. 39-79 Summary and Analysis

As a child, Douglas's family moved around a lot. He remembers life in the West. He and his brother were schooled by their mother and there were always plenty of books to read. When he was eight his father was transferred to Leavenworth, where Douglas attended school. He was bored with school until he attended the West Texas Military Academy where he became an outstanding student.

MacArthur enter then United States Military Academy at West Point, New York on June 13, 1899. The first three weeks at West Point were the hardest because of hazing. He had to testify at a Congressional investigation when one of the plebes died from an act of hazing. He himself suffered convulsions. His first year roommate was Arthur P.S. Hyde. During his four years, he was on the baseball and football team. He graduated at the top of his class.

MacArthur was a second...
(read more)