A Filipino American Story Since 1587

Summary

This video highlights the long and significant history of Filipino Americans in the United States, predating even the founding of America. It covers key events, including Filipino migration as early as the 1500s, the Philippine-American War, Filipino labor movements, and their contributions during World War II. Despite facing racial hostility, Filipinos have persevered, creating communities and influencing American culture and history. The video emphasizes the importance of telling their stories, which have often been overlooked, in order to recognize their impact and contributions to American society.

Takeaways

• 📜 Filipinos have been present in the continental United States long before its founding, arriving via Spanish galleons and settling in areas like California and Louisiana.
• 🛡️ Filipino Americans have historically confronted injustices and played significant roles in shaping American history, yet their contributions are largely untold.
• ⚔️ The Philippine-American War (1899-1902) saw Filipinos resisting U.S. colonization, and brutal tactics were used by the U.S., such as General Jacob H. Smith's infamous order to kill Filipino boys over 10.
• 🌍 Following the U.S. colonization of the Philippines, Filipino laborers migrated to the U.S., particularly to Hawaii and the West Coast, where they contributed significantly to the agricultural industry.
• ⚖️ Filipino laborers faced extreme racial hostility, but they resisted by organizing labor strikes and forming safe havens like Stockton’s Little Manila.
• 💥 During World War II, the Philippines allied with the U.S., with over 250,000 Filipinos joining the U.S. armed forces to help win the Pacific Theater.
• 🎖️ Despite promises made to Filipino veterans for citizenship and military benefits, the 1946 Rescission Act broke these commitments for many.
• 🚢 Large numbers of Filipinos, especially Navy sailors and military wives, migrated to the U.S. after World War II, leading to the growth of Filipino-American communities.
• ✊ In the 1960s, Filipino Americans were active in civil rights movements, leading important efforts such as the Delano Grape Strike in collaboration with Latinos and organizing for ethnic studies in universities.
• 🇵🇭 Today, over 4 million Filipinos live in the U.S., and their history is celebrated during Filipino American History Month in October, with ongoing efforts to preserve and share their stories.

Q & A

Who were the first Filipinos to arrive in the United States, and when did this occur?

The first Filipinos arrived in the United States as part of the Spanish galleons, landing in California during Spanish colonization. Later, some of them formed settlements in Louisiana.

What role did the Philippine-American War play in the history of Filipino migration to the United States?

The Philippine-American War, which followed the U.S. colonization of the Philippines after the Spanish-American War, acted as a catalyst for Filipino migration to the U.S. as the Philippines became a source of cheap labor.

Why did American officials refer to the colonization of the Philippines as 'benevolent assimilation'?

American officials used the term 'benevolent assimilation' to rationalize the colonization of the Philippines, claiming that it was done to protect the rights and liberties of Filipinos, despite the fact that Filipinos were already fighting for their independence.

How did Filipinos contribute to the agricultural industry in the United States during the early 20th century?

In the 1920s, many Filipino laborers migrated to the West Coast and became a driving force behind the U.S. agricultural industry, working on farms and participating in labor strikes demanding fair wages and working conditions.

What hardships did Filipino migrants face when they arrived in the United States?

Filipino migrants were met with racial hostility, facing mob violence, beatings, and murder. They were accused of stealing jobs and women from white Americans but resisted through the formation of safe havens like Stockton's Little Manila and by organizing labor strikes.

How did World War II affect the relationship between the Philippines and the United States?

During World War II, the Philippines, as a U.S. colony, allied with the United States. Over 250,000 Filipinos joined the U.S. Armed Forces, contributing significantly to the victory in the Pacific Theater. After the war, the U.S. granted independence to the Philippines.

What was the impact of the 1946 Rescission Act on Filipino veterans?

The 1946 Rescission Act broke the promise of military benefits and citizenship for many Filipino veterans who had served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II, leading to a long fight for recognition and justice.

How did the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act influence Filipino immigration to the United States?

The 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act greatly expanded immigration quotas, leading to a significant increase in Filipino immigration. By the 1970s, the Filipino population in the U.S. had more than doubled, with many new immigrants being women and professionals.

What was the significance of Filipino Americans in the labor movement of the 1960s?

Filipino Americans played a key role in the labor movement, leading the 1965 Delano grape strike in California alongside Latinos. They were instrumental in achieving one of the most successful strikes in agribusiness history.

What contributions have Filipino Americans made to U.S. society in recent history?

Filipino Americans have made significant contributions in public service, the food movement, sports, creative arts, and technology. They have led movements for justice, such as fighting for the recognition of Filipino World War II veterans and pushing for the Congressional Gold Medal.