THE ULTIMATE DECISION: The President as Commander in Chief

by Ernest R.-Ed. May ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 24, 1960

This examines, through the actions of our successive war time presidents, the opening of Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution: ""The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States."" In special essays by the Editor (McKinley, Wilson and Eisenhower), by William R. Emerson (F. D. Roosevelt), by Wilber W. Hoare (Truman), Marcus Cunliffe (Madison), and with excerpts from Leonard D. White's The Jacksonians (Polk) and T. Harry Williams' Lincoln and His Generals, the background of the clause itself, the presidents' management of their responsibilities, and the various legislation, commanding officers, finance, supply, and military energy are reviewed with the qualities and performance of each man evaluated. In ""the most unpopular war"" of 1812 Madison is found somewhat lacking; in the War with Mexico Polk proved that a president could run a war in an administrative capacity; Lincoln is shown to be a fine strategist, etc., while others show decisions that are dependent on their belief in their larger duties as president, until the question arises whether, with increased areas of operation, the presidency and CIC is more than one man's job. For students of government and history, this presents careful analyses.

Pub Date: Oct. 24, 1960

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Braziller

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1960

Categories: NONFICTION