If they kill MacArthur then he becomes a martyr/war hero. Once the American press gets a hold of this--well, if you thought MacArthur's "legend" was big in OTL, imagine what kind of legend he would have in a timeline where he is portrayed as a martyr! MacArthur would literally become the heroic general that could do no wrong.
As to Korea not happening, I disagree. I think the Korean War still occurs with the north invading the south. However, I think we end up not doing so well, maybe losing all of Korea in the first year or so. Like him or not, MacArthur came up with a viable plan to push the North Koreans back...no MacArthur no Inchon, no Inchon and the North Korean army successfully pushes the UN/US forces into the sea.
Geon
I think his legacy would probably be the same as Percivals, he would just be afforded more sympathy due to his death. However I think the Japanese would not just kill him because of who he is. They may attempt to turn him like the Russians did to Field Marshall Paulas.
I said some negative things about MacArthur but I wouldn't imagine him as a Von Paulus.
I can see him as a high ranking prisoner that the Japanese may use later in the war to open up some negotiation with the US. I can see them being very nice to him after the loss of the Marianas.
I know that MacArthur is no Von Paulus, but I wonder if the Japanese would at least make the attempt. If they understand MacArthur's ego they could try using it against him. Tell him something like, "If you sign this document or make this statement then life will get better for your soldiers we have captured. Think of how grateful your men will be with you, after you help improve their captivity."
It would be very transparent and I don't think MacArthur would fall for it. I don't think he would sign anything that would condemn his country in anyway. He was a patriotic American.
But.. He would be interested in playing a mediation role that would lead to ending the war. This would help to redeem his reputation after defeat in the Phillipines.
I can see the Japanese going to MacArthur in late 1944 and asking him for advice on how to make an honourable peace. They could then convince him to act as a sort of envoy.
Maybe.
If Mac gets preferental treatment while his men die like flies in hellhole prison camps I easily see that fact coming back to haunt him...
Officers were given preferred treatment only in meals, with all other treatments (forced labor, marching, torture, etc) being dealt out "equally". The only other treatment was appointing an officer to act as a representative in discussing issues with prison authorities and also keeping "control" over the other prisoners.Who knows how the general officers that were captured treated in OTL?
Without MacArthur would the primary US target have been Taiwan? Would whomever been the military governor of Japan have insisted on keeping the emperor?
Without MacArthur would the primary US target have been Taiwan? Would whomever been the military governor of Japan have insisted on keeping the emperor?
Without MacArthur would the primary US target have been Taiwan?
Keeping the Throne, yes. However, most likely the Showa Tenno would have been forced to abdicate by the Imperial Family, thereby being able to keep the Japanese under control while also having the Tenno take responsibility. This is something most people here seem to not know: the Showa Tenno was opposed even within his family, and it was only MacArthur's bullying and threats that allowed the Tenno to keep his hold over the throne without having the crumble under pressure.Would whomever been the military governor of Japan have insisted on keeping the emperor?