http://www.history.com/photos/controversial-generals Throughout American history, a number of controversial generals have clashed with presidents and other officials. en Copyright 2013, History.com Sun, 19 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT History.com 2013-05-19T04:00:00Z en Copyright 2013, History.com http://www.history.com/photos/controversial-generals/photo1 A hero of the Revolutionary War who later betrayed the United States, Arnold became synonymous with the word traitor after he switched sides and fought for the British. http://www.history.com/photos/controversial-generals/photo1 http://www.history.com/photos/controversial-generals/photo2 During the Civil War, McClellan drew Abraham Lincoln's ire when he refused to go on the offensive against the Confederate Army. McClellan made little effort to hide his disdain for the president, referring to him as a "baboon." In November 1862, Lincoln removed him from command. http://www.history.com/photos/controversial-generals/photo2 http://www.history.com/photos/controversial-generals/photo3 The Union general is famous for his "March to the Sea," designed to break morale and hasten the South's surrender during the Civil War. Employing "total war" tactics, his men pillaged and plundered their way through the Confederacy, leaving a trail of destruction and a controversial legacy. http://www.history.com/photos/controversial-generals/photo3 http://www.history.com/photos/controversial-generals/photo4 One of the most controversial generals of the Vietnam War, Westmoreland commanded all U.S. forces from 1964 until 1968. After repeated calls for increased troop levels and a widening of the conflict, he was replaced following the surprise Tet Offensive of January 1968. http://www.history.com/photos/controversial-generals/photo4 http://www.history.com/photos/controversial-generals/photo5 After serving with distinction in both World Wars, MacArthur was placed in command of U.S. and U.N. forces in the Korean War. On April 11, 1951, less than a year after the conflict began, he was relieved of command by President Truman after he openly disagreed with Truman's policy for a limited war. http://www.history.com/photos/controversial-generals/photo5 http://www.history.com/photos/controversial-generals/photo6 The talented but outspoken Patton led U.S. tank divisions in North Africa and Sicily before obtaining his greatest success in the push across France and at the Battle of the Bulge. Openly critical of America's post-war policy towards Germany, Patton was transferred from his post. http://www.history.com/photos/controversial-generals/photo6 http://www.history.com/photos/controversial-generals/photo7 A Confederate general and cavalry leader, Forrest led a series of daring raids and attacks that disrupted Union lines. He gained further notoriety for his role in the controversial 1864 massacre at Fort Pillow, during which his men slaughtered more than 300 black men, women and children. http://www.history.com/photos/controversial-generals/photo7 http://www.history.com/photos/controversial-generals/photo8 When General Singlaub criticized President Jimmy Carter's decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Korea, he was removed from his post as chief of staff of U.S. forces for his failure to respect Carter's authority as commander-in-chief. http://www.history.com/photos/controversial-generals/photo8 http://www.history.com/photos/controversial-generals/photo9 On June 23, 2010, General McChrystal resigned as commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan after a controversial magazine profile in which he and several aides criticized the Obama administration's military policies. http://www.history.com/photos/controversial-generals/photo9