American Colonial Architecture in the Philippines

American Colonial Architecture

• American colonial architecture has a lasting impact on the Philippines, with many buildings in cities like Manila and Baguio reflecting American architectural styles.
• Examples of American colonial architecture can still be seen in government offices, schools, and churches.

Urban Planning

• The Americans influenced urban planning and architecture in the Philippines, introducing Western concepts and ideals in city design, infrastructure, and public spaces.

Social Changes

• American influence led to changes in clothing styles and fashion, with Filipinos adopting Western clothing such as suits and dresses.
• Social customs and traditions also underwent changes, with Filipinos adopting American practices like celebrating holidays like Thanksgiving and Halloween.
• The American era played a crucial role in the formation of a distinct Filipino national identity, sparking a sense of nationalism and the desire for independence.

Arts and Literature

• The American period saw the introduction of American literary works, influencing the development of Philippine literature in English.
• Filipino writers began to write in English, producing works that reflected the Filipino experience under American rule.

Philippine-American War

• The Philippine-American War, also known as the "Philippine Insurrection," was a nationalist revolt led by Emilio Aguinaldo against American rule in 1899.
• The war resulted in American strength prevailing, with the U.S. continuing its rule until after World War II, when the Philippines gained independence.

Government

• The Americans introduced partisan politics to the Philippines, giving Filipinos their first taste of politics.
• The Filipinos learned the machinery of government through American-style politics.

Legal System

• The American era brought significant changes to the legal system, introducing new laws and legal structures that shaped the foundation of the modern Philippine legal framework.
• Key legal reforms included the Philippine Bill of 1902, the Code of Civil Procedure, the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Philippine Organic Act of 1902, and the establishment of the Supreme Court.

Religion

• During the American era, Protestantism arrived in the Philippines, and the Iglesia ni Cristo church was established by Felix Manalo.
• As of 2006, there were over 150,000 Protestant members in the Philippines.

Architecture

• Bahay na bato ("house of stone") is a type of building originating from the Spanish colonial period.

Language and Education

• The American period saw the introduction of English as the medium of instruction in schools, replacing Spanish.
• The establishment of a public education system led to increased literacy rates and the spread of English proficiency among Filipinos.

Economic Influence

• The Americans introduced new agricultural techniques and crops, influencing farming practices.
• The expansion of cashcrop agriculture also occurred during this period.

Judicial Power

• The judicial power during the American period was established during the regime of military government.

Music

• Traditional Filipino music genres like Kundiman and Harana continued to evolve, incorporating Western musical elements.
• The American era marked a period of cultural exchange, leading to the harmonization of Filipino and American musical elements.
• The advent of radio facilitated the dissemination of diverse musical styles, leading to a rich and diverse musical heritage.

Explore the influence of American colonial architecture on cities like Manila and Baguio in the Philippines. Learn about the lasting impact of American architectural styles on government buildings, schools, and churches in these regions.