The Filipino-American War

10 Questions

According to General Shafter, what was necessary to advance the remaining half of the Filipino population to a higher plane of life?

It may be necessary to kill half of the Filipinos

What tactic did the Filipinos practice in towns and villages that frustrated the U.S. forces?

amigo warfare

How did the Filipinos in 'pacified' areas outwardly appear towards the U.S. occupation?

seemed to abet occupation

What combined factors provided the rationale for indiscriminate warfare and torture by the U.S. forces?

frustration on the part of the invader and a racist outlook on Filipinos

What type of networks were the U.S. forces unable to infiltrate and disrupt?

guerrilla networks

What were some of the wartime atrocities detailed in reports back to the United States?

Burning of villages, discriminate killing of civilians, execution of prisoners, and use of torture

Who described the incompetence of Otis, unsuitable military tactics, and the locals' sympathy for the insurgents in an article for Harper’s Weekly?

John Bass

What was the policy practiced by the Spanish in Cuba and repeated during the Vietnam War?

Hamletting (reconcentrado)

Who was the Major General who directed the pacification of the provinces of Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, and Tayabas?

Major General Franklin Bell

What did the Filipinos have to demonstrate in order to be considered 'active' friends according to Major General Bell?

Providing information to Bell’s forces about the whereabouts of the guerrillas

Study Notes

General Shafter's View on Filipino Advancement

General Shafter believed that half of the Filipino population needed to be advanced to a higher plane of life.

Filipino Tactics Against U.S. Forces

Filipinos practiced guerrilla warfare in towns and villages, frustrating U.S. forces.

Filipino Attitude Towards U.S. Occupation

In 'pacified' areas, Filipinos outwardly appeared friendly towards the U.S. occupation.

Rationale for Indiscriminate Warfare and Torture

The combined factors of racism, imperialism, and the need for U.S. dominance provided the rationale for indiscriminate warfare and torture by U.S. forces.

U.S. Inability to Infiltrate Networks

U.S. forces were unable to infiltrate and disrupt local networks of insurgents.

Wartime Atrocities

Reports back to the United States detailed wartime atrocities, including torture, massacres, and forced relocation of Filipino civilians.

Criticism of U.S. Military Tactics

Journalist Moorfield Storey described the incompetence of General Otis, unsuitable military tactics, and the locals' sympathy for the insurgents in an article for Harper's Weekly.

Pacification Policy

The policy of "concentration" or "reconcentración" was practiced by the Spanish in Cuba and repeated during the Vietnam War.

Major General Bell's Role

Major General Bell directed the pacification of the provinces of Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, and Tayabas.

Conditions for 'Active' Friends

According to Major General Bell, Filipinos had to demonstrate loyalty to the U.S. occupation to be considered 'active' friends.