Philippine-American War Overview

Philippine-American War (1899-1902)

• The Americans encountered more resistance than expected.
• Filipinos, though lacking weapons, fought valiantly.
• Mariano Santos, a veteran, highlighted that the Americans brought everything except water and land.
• Colonial motivations included; economic (markets), politico-military (base), and religious (missions).
• Filipinos used guerilla warfare to resist.
• The U.S. responded with repressive tactics like water torture, reconcentration, and scorched-earth tactics.

"Benevolent Assimilation" Proclamation

• President McKinley initially struggled with the Philippines' disposition.
• Pressure groups representing American business, military, and religious interests influenced McKinley.
• The proclamation formalized the U.S. intention to govern the Philippines.
• The order to extend American sovereignty was enforced by military commanders.

Filipino Reaction

• Filipinos were angered by the proclamation's terms.
• Antonio Luna criticized the proclamation as deceptive.
• Aguinaldo issued a strong proclamation threatening hostilities.

The Shot That Started the War

• Minor incidents escalated with the arrest of American engineers.
• A conflict emerged between Filipino and American troops on February 4, 1899 (initiating the war) after a soldier was shot.
• This event led the U.S. to retaliate with immediate force.

American Drive to the North

• American forces advanced in Luzon, capturing significant areas.
• Major figures like General Luna fought against the Americans.
• This aggressive military conflict was met with various levels of resistance.
• They moved with superior arms to capture towns like La Loma and Caloocan, where Luna faced defeat.

Other Battles and Events

• Filipinos employed guerrilla warfare but faced defeats in battles such as Pasong Tirad.
• The U.S. made various attempts to relax tensions but failed.
• Significant figures were killed, leading eventually to the fall of Aguinaldo's leadership within the campaign.

The Fall of the Mabini Cabinet

• Mabini, the Prime Minister in Aguinaldo's cabinet, was forced out of office.
• The Americans attempted to sway the Filipinos, which caused considerable conflict and dissent within the Philippines.

The Capture of Aguinaldo

• American forces captured Aguinaldo with the assistance of a Spaniard.
• Aguinaldo was brought to Manila and swore allegiance to the U.S. government.

End of Guerra Warfare

• Multiple Filipino generals surrendered, weakening Filipino resistance following Aguinaldo's capture.

Results of the War

• The war caused considerable loss of life and economic hardship to the Filipino population, with estimates of deaths ranging from hundreds of thousands to one million.
• The war resulted in the significant disruption of the Filipino economy and society.
• The Americans took possession of Filipino lands.

This quiz explores the Philippine-American War, detailing the resistance faced by the Americans, the motivations behind U.S. colonial rule, and the Filipino response to the 'Benevolent Assimilation' proclamation. It highlights significant events and figures that defined this period. Test your knowledge on this crucial chapter of history.