Questions: What happened to Americans left behind in the Philippines in 1942 when General MacArthur was forced to leave the first time? They were taken prisoner by the Japanese, starved, tortured, and left for dead.

The answer is B. They were taken prisoner by the Japanese, starved, tortured, and left for dead.

This option is not accurate. While some Americans may have attempted to blend in with the Filipino population or join guerrilla forces, the majority of American military personnel and civilians left behind were captured by the Japanese forces.

This option is accurate. When General Douglas MacArthur was ordered to leave the Philippines in March 1942, he left behind a significant number of American and Filipino troops. After the fall of Bataan in April 1942 and Corregidor in May 1942, these troops were taken prisoner by the Japanese. They endured the infamous Bataan Death March, where thousands died due to starvation, dehydration, and brutal treatment. Those who survived the march were subjected to harsh conditions in Japanese prisoner-of-war camps, where many more perished due to starvation, disease, and mistreatment.