Douglas MacArthur

Douglas MacArthur was the son of General Arthur MacArthur, born in 1880 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He attended West Point Military Academy and served first military in the Philippines, where his father had served as military governor. He returned to the United States after becoming ill and served in World War I, where his arrogance and bravery became apparent. He rose through the ranks to become General during the quiet military period between the two world wars.

MacArthur came to love the Philippines. He was one of the few Americans in "colonial" times to be perceptive enough to associate with the local natives. In doing this, he befriended both future Philippine leaders Manuel Quezon and Sergio Osmena as a young man. About the same age, their careers progressed, and they stayed in touch.

At the start of World War II, General MacArthur made several mistakes in strategy, which...