Vlog #34 American Colonization of the Philippines|| FARAH ACERO

Summary

This video lesson delves into the history of American colonization in the Philippines, focusing on key events such as the Spanish-American War, the declaration of Philippine independence in 1898, and the subsequent Philippine-American War. The script explores the role of figures like Emilio Aguinaldo and Apolinario Mabini, the impact of the Treaty of Paris, and the establishment of a civil government under American rule. It highlights the challenges faced by the Philippines, including resistance to colonization and the economic and political changes introduced by the Americans, ultimately ending with the transition to self-rule in the early 20th century.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Spanish-American War, which started in Cuba, played a key role in changing the course of Philippine history.
• 😀 On May 1, 1898, the Americans, led by Admiral George Dewey and with support from Emilio Aguinaldo, defeated the Spanish navy in Manila Bay.
• 😀 The Philippine Declaration of Independence was proclaimed on June 12, 1898, in Cavite, with the first national flag and anthem being presented.
• 😀 The U.S. opposed the declaration of Philippine independence and later engaged in a guerrilla war against Filipino forces.
• 😀 The Treaty of Paris in 1898 led to the U.S. acquiring the Philippines from Spain for $20 million, despite opposition from Filipinos seeking independence.
• 😀 The Philippine-American War began on February 4, 1899, following an incident in San Juan that resulted in American and Filipino casualties.
• 😀 The war resulted in significant loss of life, with over 34,000 Filipinos dying directly and many more from diseases like cholera.
• 😀 After the capture of Aguinaldo in 1901, the Philippine-American War effectively ended, but sporadic resistance continued until 1913.
• 😀 In 1901, the U.S. established a civil government in the Philippines, with William Howard Taft as the first American governor-general.
• 😀 The establishment of free trade in 1909 and 1913 promoted economic growth, innovation, and efficiency in the Philippines under American colonial rule.

Q & A

What event marked the beginning of the Philippine-American War?

The Philippine-American War began on February 4, 1899, after an incident in San Juan where American soldiers killed three Filipino soldiers.

Why did the U.S. get involved in the Spanish-American War, which ultimately affected the Philippines?

The U.S. got involved in the Spanish-American War primarily due to the situation in Cuba, where Cubans sought independence from Spain. The U.S. sent the USS Maine to Havana to protect American citizens and interests, which led to the war and subsequently gave the U.S. control over the Philippines.

What was the significance of the Philippine Declaration of Independence in 1898?

The Philippine Declaration of Independence, proclaimed on June 12, 1898, marked the Filipinos' formal assertion of independence from Spanish colonial rule. It was accompanied by the unfurling of the Philippine flag and the playing of the national anthem 'Lupang Hinirang'.

Who was Emilio Aguinaldo and what role did he play during the Philippine-American War?

Emilio Aguinaldo was a key leader in the Philippine independence movement and became the first president of the revolutionary government. He collaborated with the U.S. to defeat the Spanish but later led the resistance against American colonization during the Philippine-American War.

How did the Treaty of Paris (1898) affect the Philippines?

The Treaty of Paris, which ended the Spanish-American War, resulted in the transfer of the Philippines from Spain to the U.S. for $20 million. This treaty also led to the beginning of American colonization in the Philippines, despite the Philippines declaring its independence.

What was the role of Apolinario Mabini in the early years of the Philippine Revolution?

Apolinario Mabini served as an advisor to Aguinaldo and played a significant role in transitioning the Philippine government from a dictatorial system to a revolutionary one. He also helped draft the legal framework for the new government.

What was the outcome of the Philippine-American War?

The Philippine-American War ended in 1902 after the capture of Emilio Aguinaldo. Though the war officially ended, resistance continued sporadically, especially in the Muslim south, until 1913.

What was the nature of the U.S. civil government established in the Philippines in 1901?

In 1901, the U.S. established a civil government in the Philippines, with William Howard Taft as the first American governor-general. It involved significant American influence, such as introducing English as the official language, sending American teachers to educate Filipinos, and disestablishing the Catholic Church.

What is free trade, and how was it relevant to the Philippines during American colonization?

Free trade refers to a system that promotes the exchange of goods without tariffs or other restrictions, fostering economic growth. In the Philippines, free trade policies were introduced by the U.S. in the early 1900s, benefiting both American and Filipino economies by lowering costs and improving product quality.

How did the Philippine-American War affect the population in terms of casualties?

The Philippine-American War resulted in heavy casualties. Around 4,234 American soldiers died, and an estimated 34,000 Filipino soldiers lost their lives. Additionally, at least 200,000 Filipinos died due to the cholera epidemic, exacerbated by the war.