General MacArthur left the Philippines to lead Allied forces strategically, promising to return later, embodying determination and leadership.
General MacArthur abandoned his post in the Philippines because he was ordered to evacuate to Australia to command all Allied forces in the Pacific after the situation became dire with the Japanese invasion. This decision was made to preserve his leadership and allow him to regroup strategically.
MacArthur's departure was crucial due to the impending capture of the US garrison by Japanese forces, leading President Roosevelt to make the difficult call for his evacuation to a safer location.
His vow of 'I shall return' symbolized his determination to go back to the Philippines, which he fulfilled later as part of his significant role in World War II.
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