Harry Truman, the Firing of Douglas MacArthur, and Integrity

In this lesson, students will learn about the life of Harry S. Truman and how it was shaped by integrity. They will explore actions throughout his life and how they impacted his identity and purpose. Through his example, they will learn how they can maintain the principle of integrity in their own lives.

Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.

• What challenges are you facing?
• What fears or concerns might you have?
• What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?

Observation Questions

• Who was Harry Truman? Who was Douglas MacArthur? What were their roles in the Korean War?
• What was the big decision Harry Truman had to make in April of 1951?
• What do Harry Truman’s actions throughout his life say about his personal integrity?

Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions with your students.

• What is the historical context of the narrative?
• What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
• How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the challenge?
• How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
• How might exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
• What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
• Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
• How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?

• Students will analyze Harry S. Truman’s life and actions.
• Students will understand how acting with integrity can help them achieve their identity and purpose
• Students will apply this knowledge to the pursuit of integrity in their own lives.