American Imperialism In The Philippines

Topic 1: Root Causes for imperialism in the Philippines

Economic Factors:

• The pacific held many economic opportunities for the U.S., who's economy was currently run by oil and steel.

Perhaps one of the greatest economic benefits in the Philippines is it's fertile soil used for farming.

It also has rich mineral deposits and is one of the top fishery sources.

Political factors:

The Spanish-American War...

This war was forshadowed when naval strategist Alfred T. Mahan published his book "The Influence of Sea Power Upon History", which stated the idea that in order to further spread American influence across the globe, they must establish overseas colonies and trading posts.

When war broke out between Spain and Cuba, America saw this as an advantage to jump start their attempt at world influence.

Because of the United State's military superiority, Spain surrendered and both Spain and the U.S. signed the Spanish American War Treaty in 1898. Spain granted Cuban independence and also handed the Philippines to the United States.

The Treaty of Paris, signed by President McKinley put an end to the war. This was signed in 1898, not to be confused with the treaty signed by Britain after the American Revolution in 1783.

The Philippine-American War...

During the Spanish-American War, the Philippines aided the United States in their fight against Spain expecting freedom from Spain and a comradery with America.

Instead, the Philippines were ceded to the U.S. and now was under the control of yet another world power.

Emilio Aguinaldo was the most dedicated revolutionary of the Philippine-American War.

(More about him in part 3...)

After the war, while the Republic of the Philippines was being created, a three year long invasion of Japan put a hault in their walk to long awaited freedom.

Social Factors:

• The U.S. had intentions on Christianizing the locals and educating them on American ideas and customs.

Uncle Sam disciplines the bad Filipino children.

Topic 2: Main Events

Methods of conquest...

Benevolent Assimilation

President Mckinley used "benevolent assimilation" as a way to justify imperialism in the Philippines.

He argued that Americans must educate and civilize the Filipinos on their way to "enlightment."

Counter Insurgency

a military or political action taken against the activities of guerillas or revolutionaries.

Ferdinand Marcos

President of the Philippines elected in 1965, but exiled in 1986 because of a rising up against his corrupt government.

Methods of Resistance by the indigenous populations...

Emilio Aguinaldo and his rebel troops took up arms against the U.S., who had betrayed them by conquering their islands after their liberation from Spain.

Some used bloody revolts against the government.

Topic 3: Independence from American Imperialism

After a long battle with the U.S. for independence, the rebels ended up surrendering to the U.S. in 1902.

Emilio Aguinaldo pledged an oath of allegiance to the U.S. and was granted a pension.

The Philippines developed a new constitution which held a strong resemblance to the U.S. constitution.

Discussion Question:

Given the human cost of the U.S. imperialism in the Philippines, asses wether or not the outcomes of U.S. involvement were more positive or negative.

American Imperialism In The Philippines

The Spanish-American War initiated the entry of the United States as a colonial power in this time period.