Summary
Highlights
In 1898, the United States attacked Spain, citing inhumane treatment in Cuba and the Philippines. The US aimed to expand its influence in Asia, viewing the Philippines as a valuable territory with abundant resources and a strategic location. The US also believed it had a responsibility to 'civilize' and modernize Filipinos, whom they considered primitive. The US Navy, under Admiral George Dewey, destroyed the Spanish Fleet in Manila Bay in May 1898, leading to the deployment of US troops and the eventual seizure of Manila.
Initially, the U.S. pledged to help the Filipinos achieve independence and establish a democratic government. However, after defeating Spain, the U.S. broke its promise and planned to annex the Philippines. Spain ceded control of the Philippines to the U.S. for $20 million, making it an American colony. The U.S. established a colonial administration, with William Howard Taft as the first governor, and promoted its colonization as "benevolent assimilation," promising to modernize and civilize the country through education and infrastructure. Filipinos eventually felt betrayed by these broken promises, leading to a new conflict.
The betrayal led to a bloody struggle, the Philippine-American War, from 1899 to 1902. Filipino fighters, though ill-equipped, used guerrilla warfare and their knowledge of the local terrain. The American military, with superior technology, organization, and weapons, employed brutal tactics, including concentration camps and scorched-earth policies, causing widespread suffering. Internal conflicts within the Philippine government also weakened their efforts. Despite formidable resistance, the Filipinos were eventually defeated due to the overwhelming American firepower and resources.
Following their victory, the Americans enforced economic policies favoring American enterprises and undermining the Philippine economy, while also implementing educational policies to promote American culture and English. To suppress revolts, they established the Philippine Constabulary. In 1935, the U.S. granted the Philippines commonwealth status, providing some autonomy while maintaining control over foreign affairs and defense. This was a step toward full independence, led by Filipino leaders like Manuel Quezon. Finally, in 1946, after World War II, the United States granted full independence to the Philippines, fulfilling their promise of self-rule and acknowledging the Filipinos' struggle for sovereignty.