Answer to Question #244291 in Microeconomics for B. Smith

Question

Was general MacArthur doing the right thing when he took his staff away with him to safety in Australia, or should he have taken wounded soldiers or U.S. Army nurses instead?

Answer 1

Yes, General MacArthur did the right thing when he took his staff away with him to Australia leaving behind the wounded soldiers and the army nurses. This was the right decision at the time as the Japanese were seizing the Philippines and General MacArthur would have fought a losing battle. Also, leaving gave him an opportunity to command ground forces in Pacific which ensured his return to the Philippines validating his “I shall return” promise.