Why did the Allies want to seize New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and the surrounding islands?

The Allies pursued an island-hopping campaign across the Pacific, capturing islands that would bring their forces within reach of Japanese-held territory, including the Philippines. New Guinea and the Solomon Islands helped open a route toward the Philippines. The best answer is “to get closer to the Philippines”; taking Guadalcanal was one part of the campaign, not its broader purpose.

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