Campaign for Independence and the Commonwealth Period

Summary

This lecture discusses the American occupation of the Philippines, focusing on the transition to independence and the Commonwealth period from 1935-1946. Key topics include the Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act setting a date for independence and the Tydings-McDuffie Act establishing a 10-year transition. It covers significant developments like women's suffrage, chartered cities, national language adoption, justice promotion, compulsory military training, economic development, and the 1939 census. The lecture explores the advantages and disadvantages of American colonial rule and its impact on Philippine history.

Takeaways

• 📜 The American occupation of the Philippines was discussed in the previous session, focusing on the Treaty of Paris and events leading up to the occupation.
• 🏛 The Commonwealth period in the Philippines aimed to transition the country to an independent nation, with preparations made by the Americans from 1935 to 1946.
• 🗽 The Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act set a specific date for Philippine independence from the United States, which was July 4, 1946, coinciding with America's Independence Day.
• 🏢 The Tydings-McDuffie Act provided for a 10-year transition period for the Philippines to prepare for self-independence, with the U.S. maintaining military forces in the country during this time.
• 🏆 Women's suffrage was a significant highlight during the Commonwealth period, allowing women the right to vote and be voted upon.
• 🏙️ Chartered cities were established, allowing for greater local autonomy and participation in governance, devolving tasks from the central government.
• 🌐 The adoption of Tagalog as the national language aimed to strengthen Filipino identity and unity across the archipelago.
• ⚖️ The promotion of justice included the establishment of public defenders to provide legal services to those who could not afford private lawyers.
• 💪 Compulsory military training was implemented to prepare Filipinos for potential conflicts and wars during the period of global expansion.
• 📊 The 1939 census was conducted to understand the demographic needs and services required for policy-making in preparation for independence.
• 🌾 Economic development was a key focus during the Commonwealth period, with an emphasis on agriculture, commerce, and industry to advance the nation.

Q & A

What was the main topic discussed in the session?

The main topic discussed in the session was the American occupation in the Philippines, specifically focusing on the campaign for independence and the Commonwealth period.

What is the definition of 'Commonwealth' as used in the context of Philippine history?

In the context of Philippine history, 'Commonwealth' refers to a transitional period from 1935 to 1946, during which the Philippines was preparing for full independence from the United States.

What were the two important policies that preceded the Commonwealth era in the Philippines?

The two important policies that preceded the Commonwealth era were the Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act, which set a specific date for Philippine independence, and the Tydings-McDuffie Act, which provided for a 10-year transition period leading to independence.

Why was July 4th chosen as the date for Philippine independence?

July 4th was chosen as the date for Philippine independence because it also coincides with the United States' Independence Day, symbolizing a shared history and significance.

What were some of the preparations made by the Americans for the Philippines during the Commonwealth period?

Preparations included reorganizing the government, promoting women's suffrage, creating chartered cities, adopting a national language based on Tagalog, promoting justice through public defenders, implementing compulsory military training, conducting a census, and focusing on economic development in agriculture, commerce, and industry.

What was the significance of women's suffrage during the Commonwealth period?

Women's suffrage was significant as it allowed women to vote and be voted upon, marking a shift from the Spanish colonial period where women did not have this right.

How did the creation of chartered cities impact local governance during the American occupation?

The creation of chartered cities allowed for greater local autonomy and participation in governance, devolving tasks from the central government and giving local governments more control over their affairs.

Why was the adoption of Tagalog as the national language important during the Commonwealth period?

Adopting Tagalog as the national language was important for strengthening the Filipino identity and promoting unity among the diverse population of the Philippine archipelago.

What was the role of the public defenders or public lawyers during the Commonwealth period?

Public defenders or public lawyers were introduced to provide legal representation to those who could not afford private lawyers, promoting justice and equality before the law.

Why was compulsory military training implemented for Filipinos during the Commonwealth period?

Compulsory military training was implemented to prepare the Filipinos for potential wars and conflicts, especially during a time when the world was experiencing significant military expansions and conflicts.

What was the purpose of the 1939 census in the Philippines?

The 1939 census aimed to count the population and assess the needs and services within localities, which would inform policy-making and help prepare the Philippines for political and economic changes.