How did America Take The Philippines? - The History of The American Philippines (1899 - 1946)

Summary

The transcript details the complex history of the Philippines from the end of the Spanish-American War in 1898 to its independence in 1946. Initially viewed as liberators, the Americans established colonial rule, leading to armed conflict with Filipino revolutionaries. Brutal tactics ensued on both sides during the Philippine-American War, resulting in significant civilian casualties. The struggle for independence continued through the Japanese occupation during World War II, marked by fierce resistance and devastation. Ultimately, the Philippines celebrated its independence on July 4, 1946, after a tumultuous journey toward self-governance and national identity.

Takeaways

• 🇺🇸 The Treaty of Paris in 1898 marked the end of the Spanish-American War, resulting in a $20 million payment from the U.S. to Spain for the Philippines.
• 📜 The American colonial period began, lasting until the Philippines gained independence after World War II.
• 🤝 Filipinos initially viewed Americans as allies in their struggle for independence from Spain, but Americans had different intentions for the archipelago.
• 🏛️ A military government was established by Americans in Manila, creating local governments modeled after the U.S. system.
• 🗳️ The Philippine revolutionary government held elections and adopted a constitution, declaring the First Philippine Republic on January 21, 1899.
• ⚔️ Open warfare began between American forces and Filipino revolutionaries on February 4, 1899, leading to a declaration of war by Aguinaldo on June 2, 1899.
• 🔫 The Filipino forces, lacking modern weaponry, shifted to guerilla tactics, leading to American counterinsurgency measures, including internment camps.
• 😷 Diseases in American camps caused more Filipino deaths than the conflict itself, exacerbated by the brutal conditions and lack of supplies.
• 📅 The Insular Government was established to transition the Philippines towards independence, with the Jones Law in 1916 affirming U.S. commitment to eventual independence.
• 🏴‍☠️ The Philippines was occupied by Japan during World War II, resulting in brutal conditions and significant resistance efforts from Filipino guerillas.

Q & A

What was one significant element of the treaty that ended the Spanish-American War?

A significant element was a twenty-million-dollar payment from the United States to Spain in exchange for the Philippines.

How did the American colonial period in the Philippines begin?

The American colonial period began with the establishment of a military government in Manila in August 1898.

What was the initial perception of Filipinos regarding American involvement?

Initially, Filipinos viewed the Americans as allies aiding them in their independence from Spain.

What did President William McKinley express regarding the American role in the Philippines?

President McKinley expressed that the U.S. aimed to 'uplift and civilize and Christianize' the Filipino people.

What triggered the open warfare between the U.S. and the Filipino revolutionary government?

Open warfare began on February 4, 1899, following the U.S. proclamation of military rule that undermined the Philippine revolutionary government.

What were the conditions like in the internment camps established by the U.S.?

The internment camps were poorly supplied, leading to rampant disease and more deaths among civilians than from actual warfare.

What strategy did the Filipino fighters adopt in response to their disadvantages in warfare?

Filipino fighters shifted to guerilla tactics, focusing on inflicting continuous losses rather than outright victories.

How did the U.S. administration evolve in the Philippines after the conflict?

After the conflict, the Philippines was placed under the Insular Government, which aimed to prepare the archipelago for independence.

What was the outcome of the Philippine Autonomy Act of 1916?

The Philippine Autonomy Act established a bicameral legislature and stated that American policy favored Philippine independence, though without a specific timeline.

What significant event occurred during World War II that involved the Philippines?

During World War II, the Philippines was attacked by Japan shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, leading to the Bataan Death March and extensive military conflict.

What marked the end of Japanese occupation in the Philippines?

The end of Japanese occupation was marked by the surrender of Japan on September 2, 1945, and the subsequent granting of independence to the Philippines on July 4, 1946.