Philippine-American War Overview

The Philippine-American War began in 1899 when a US soldier, Pvt. William Grayson, shot and killed two Filipino revolutionaries (Katipuneros) in San Juan. This act sparked a conflict that lasted for years.

Filipino revolutionaries, led by Emilio Aguinaldo, used various tactics, including traditional and guerrilla warfare, to fight for their independence from the US. Despite their courage and resourcefulness, the Filipino forces faced a disadvantage due to the Americans' superior weaponry and resources.

General Antonio Luna was a brilliant military strategist who led the Filipino forces during the war. His strict leadership and tactical genius were crucial in the fight for independence. However, his quick temper and disagreements with other leaders led to tensions within the army. Unfortunately, he was assassinated in 1899.

General Gregorio del Pilar, a young and brave Filipino leader, became a hero at the Battle of Tirad Pass, attempting to delay the American advance to allow Emilio Aguinaldo to escape. During this battle in 1899, he and his men fought valiantly, although they were outnumbered. Tragically, a Filipino Igorot was bribed to betray Del Pilar's forces, allowing the Americans to ambush them, leading to his death.

In 1901, American soldiers, assisted by Filipino scouts led by Cecilio Segismundo, captured Emilio Aguinaldo in Palanan, Isabela. This event marked the end of organized resistance to American rule in the Philippines.

After his capture and imprisonment, Aguinaldo swore loyalty to the United States, effectively ending the armed struggle for independence. However, the Filipino desire for freedom remained strong and served as an inspiration for future generations.

To suppress Filipino nationalism and further their control, the US government enacted a series of laws. These included the Brigandage Act, the Sedition Law, and the Flag Law, all aimed at silencing dissent and enforcing American rule.

The Brigandage Act, the Sedition Law, and the Flag Law were all designed to suppress any form of opposition to American rule in the Philippines. These laws targeted Filipino nationalists, making it difficult for them to express their desire for independence.

The event where approximately 75,000 Filipino and American soldiers were forced to walk over 106 kilometers from Bataan to prison camps in Tarlac, resulting in many deaths due to hunger, exhaustion, and mistreatment.

The capture of Corregidor Island, the last stronghold of the defenders, marked the beginning of Japan's full control over the Philippines.

The Allied forces landed on the shores of Leyte on October 20, 1944, led by General Douglas MacArthur. It marked a crucial turning point in the Pacific war and signaled the start of the campaign to drive the Japanese out of the Philippines.

A major naval battle fought from October 23 to 26, 1944, in the waters around the Philippines. The American victory resulted in significant damage to the Japanese fleet, weakening their naval prowess and hindering their ability to defend their positions.

A tactic employed by the Japanese Navy during the liberation of the Philippines, involving pilots crashing their explosive-laden planes into Allied ships. Although it caused some damage, it ultimately failed to prevent the Allied forces from liberating the islands, highlighting Japan's desperate resistance.

The Allied forces landed on the shores of Lingayen Gulf, Pangasinan on January 9, 1945, marking a key step in their advance towards central Luzon and Manila, with Filipino guerillas proving crucial in disrupting Japanese forces.

The fierce battle for the liberation of Manila, the capital of the Philippines, began in February 1945 with intense fighting between Japanese troops and Allied forces. Many buildings were destroyed, and countless lives were lost. Despite the challenges, the Allied forces, aided by Filipino fighters, managed to overcome the Japanese forces.

The official day marking the end of Japanese rule in the Philippines, marking the end of the brutal occupation and signifying the return of freedom to the people.

The collective effort of Filipino guerillas and soldiers who actively resisted the Japanese occupation by hindering their movements, providing crucial information, and supporting the Allied forces in various ways, ultimately contributing to the liberation of the Philippines.

The American government's decision to send General Douglas MacArthur back to the Philippines was seen by many Filipinos as a sign of hope and a renewed promise for liberation. It boosted Filipino morale and resistance against the Japanese occupation.

A law enacted in 1902 by the United States, which criminalized any Filipino engaging in armed resistance against American forces, labeling them as brigands and bandits.

A law passed in 1901 by the American colonial administration, which made it illegal to speak, write, or do anything seen as disrespect or opposition towards the American administration in the Philippines.

A law implemented in 1907 by the American government, prohibiting the display of the Philippine flag or any other independence insignia.

The process of gradually increasing the involvement of Filipinos in the governance of the Philippines during the American colonial period.

A law passed in 1901 by the American colonial administration, which granted Filipinos the right to vote for local officials in towns and cities.

Also known as the Philippine Organic Act, this law implemented in 1902, created the Philippine Assembly, a body composed of elected Filipino lawmakers.

A significant law enacted in 1916, which guaranteed the future independence of the Philippines and established two fully elected law-making bodies: the Philippine Commission and the Philippine Assembly.

The period in Philippine history when Japan occupied the country during World War II, marked by battles, sacrifices, and major events.

The surprise attack by Japan on the United States naval base in Hawaii on December 7, 1941, which marked the beginning of Japan's war against the United States and its allies.

The declaration by the Philippine government in December 26, 1941, to make Manila an undefended city, to avoid its destruction by the Japanese, but ultimately, it was bombed by the Japanese.

The strategic peninsula, west of Manila, where American and Filipino forces fought bravely against the advancing Japanese forces before ultimately surrendering on April 9, 1942.

The famous saying of General Douglas MacArthur after escaping with President Manuel Quezon from the Philippines during the early days of the Japanese occupation, promising to return to help liberate the Philippines.

The event that marked the surrender of Filipino and American soldiers in Bataan to the Japanese forces on April 9, 1942.