What was General MacArthur’s main motivation as he led forces in the Southwest Pacific between 1942 and 1944?

Question

uglyturtle · Answer

"My strategic conception for the Pacific Theater, which I outlined after the Papuan Campaign and have since consistently advocated, contemplates massive strokes against only main strategic objectives, utilizing surprise and air-ground striking power supported and assisted by the fleet. This is the very opposite of what is termed "island hopping" which is the gradual pushing back of the enemy by direct frontal pressure with the consequent heavy casualties which will certainly be involved. Key points must of course be taken but a wise choice of such will obviate the need for storming the mass of islands now in enemy possession. "Island hopping" with extravagant losses and slow progress...is not my idea of how to end the war as soon and as cheaply as possible. New conditions require for solution and new weapons require for maximum application new and imaginative methods. Wars are never won in the past" -General MacArthur

anonymous · Answer

General MacArthur’s main motivation as he led forces in the Southwest Pacific between 1942 and 1944 was "his desire to keep his promise to return to the Philippines" since he made this claim early on.