The American Colonial Rule: Arrival, Resistance, and Responses

Summary

This lecture discusses the American occupation of the Philippines, highlighting the pivotal years of 1896 and 1898 that followed the rise of nationalism in 1872. It covers the Spanish colony's weakening grip, the Cuban revolution's impact, and the U.S.'s strategic involvement for trade advantages. The lecture details the battles of May and August 1898, the Treaty of Paris, and the U.S.'s 'benevolent assimilation' policy. It also explores the Filipino response, leading to the Filipino-American War, emphasizing the conflict between perceived American intentions and actual colonial objectives.

Takeaways

• 😷 The class is reminded to continue wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.
• 🌐 Module 4 focused on the rise of nationalism, particularly the events of 1872 and the role of the Gomburza.
• 🗽 The American occupation module (Module 5) discusses the events of 1896 and 1898, which were pivotal following the nationalism rise.
• 🇪🇸 In 1895, Spain realized it could not stop uprisings in the Philippines and faced the threat of another oppressor.
• 🚢 The Cuban revolution and the US involvement led to a battle between the US and Spain, which started with a significant battle in Manila Bay on May 1, 1898.
• 🏰 Spain and the US had a staged battle in August 1898, which was part of the Treaty of Paris signed on December 10, 1898, transferring the Philippines to the US for 20 million dollars.
• 📢 Aguinaldo's return from exile led to the proclamation of Philippine independence on June 12, 1898, but this was unrecognized by the US.
• 🏛️ The Treaty of Paris was seen as anti-Filipino, as it did not recognize the independence already declared by the Filipinos.
• 📜 President McKinley's Benevolent Assimilation Proclamation aimed to enforce US sovereignty over the Philippines, despite Filipino opposition.
• 🔥 The Filipino-American War began due to a misunderstanding and was seen as a war of aggression by the US against the Filipinos' desire for independence.

Q & A

What was the main topic discussed in the previous module 4?

The main topic discussed in module 4 was the rise of nationalism, specifically the events of 1872 and the becoming of the Kumborza.

How did the death of Rizal impact the campaign for nationalism?

The death of Rizal in the early 19th century opened many opportunities and strengthened the campaign for nationalism in the Philippines.

What significant years are associated with the American occupation of the Philippines?

The significant years associated with the American occupation of the Philippines are 1896 and 1898, which are breakthroughs from the events of 1872.

Why did the United States extend its helping hand to Cuba in 1895?

The United States extended its helping hand to Cuba in 1895 because the liberation of Cuba would give them an advantage in their trading relations with other nations.

What was the outcome of the battle between the United States and Spain on May 1, 1898?

The battle on May 1, 1898, in Manila Bay was won by the United States under Commodore General Dewey, marking a significant step towards American involvement in the Philippines.

What was the significance of June 12, 1898, in Philippine history?

June 12, 1898, is significant as it marks the date of the Philippine proclamation of independence and the first time the Philippine flag was made and hoisted.

What was the Treaty of Paris, and when was it signed?

The Treaty of Paris was an agreement signed on December 10, 1898, between the United States and Spain, in which Spain agreed to turn over the Philippines to the United States for 20 million dollars.

Why was the battle in August 1898 considered a staged battle?

The battle in August 1898 was staged because Spain wanted to preserve their remaining arms in the Philippines and to show that they had lost power, allowing the United States to become the next colonizer.

What was the 'benevolent assimilation' proclamation, and who announced it?

The 'benevolent assimilation' proclamation was announced by President McKinley on December 21, 1898, stating that the U.S. would enforce its sovereignty over the Filipinos.

What were the economic objectives of the United States in colonizing the Philippines?

The economic objectives of the United States in colonizing the Philippines were to find new markets for their products, new sources of cheap raw materials, and to use the Philippines as a base for controlling the Pacific Ocean and other countries in Asia.

How did the Filipinos respond to the American colonial rule?

The Filipinos responded to the American colonial rule by opposing it, as evidenced by Aguinaldo's establishment of a dictatorial government and the eventual outbreak of the Filipino-American War.