Philipine-American War
In the 1890s and 1900s, America used imperialism to protect its interests. The use of the military helped America establish a strong influence throughout the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. As you read the article on the Philippine-American War, think of how this event added to the influence of America. What was the main cause of the war, and how did this add to American imperialism?
The Philippine-American War (1899 – 1902), was a war between the United States and Filipino revolutionaries. Even though it is frequently overlooked in U.S. History, it was very significant at the time because of its length and high casualties on both sides.
When
the Americans defeated the Spanish at Manila Bay in 1898, the Filipinos
cheered. They believed they would finally be free of colonial rule and
allowed independence. A temporary, democratic government was formed by
their leader, Emilio Aguinaldo.
However, when the United States made it clear that they would not allow
the Filipinos to self-govern, and moreover that it would annex the
Philippines, war erupted between the two sides. On one side, Americans
hammered the Filipinos with the use of far superior military weaponry.
In response, the Filipinos employed guerilla warfare to strike at the
Americans at opportune moments.
General Emilio Aguinaldo: head of the Filipino Resistance
The war was noted for its exceptional brutality. Atrocities occurred on both sides. American troops showed little mercy to civilians, including women, children, and elderly. Villages were burned. And in retaliation, the Filipinos would frequently torture American prisoners of war through mutilation and live burials. Although resistance to American presence continued throughout the early 1900s, the Philippine-American War ended officially in 1902.
Source: Boundless, https://oercommons.org/courseware/lesson/87953/student/?section=1
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