The Term 'American Apostasy' and its Historical Context

The Battle of Manila

• General Arthur MacArthur ordered his men to advance against Filipino forces after the Battle of Manila, which saw the defeat of the Spanish forces by the combined forces of the Americans and Filipinos.

The Battle of Zapote Bridge

• General Licerio Geronimo's successful conquest of General Henry Lawton's forces at the Battle of Zapote Bridge resulted in a significant setback for the American forces.

The Fall of Antonio Luna

• Antonio Luna was defeated in Kalookan by elements of the Philippine Revolutionary Army, influenced by Aguinaldo's suspicions of Luna's loyalty and potential threat to his leadership.

The Oath of Allegiance

• Emilio Aguinaldo took his oath of allegiance to the United States on June 23, 1901, marking a significant shift in the political landscape and solidifying the American control over the Philippines.

The Sierra Madre Rebellion

• Macario Sakay was forced to retreat to the Sierra Madre and declared a 'Tagalog Republic,' a decision sparked by the escalation of American military dominance and Aguinaldo's cooperation with them, fueling resistance among some segments of the Filipino population.

The Defense of Iloilo

• General Martin Delgado led the defense of Iloilo during the Philippine-American War, showcasing sustained resistance to the American occupation in the Visayas.

The "Benevolent Assimilation"

• The Filipino historian Teodoro Agoncillo labeled the American involvement in the Philippines as "Benevolent Assimilation," highlighting the apparent intention to bring the Philippines under American control while fostering goodwill.

The Promise to Aguinaldo

• The Americans promised independence to Aguinaldo in order to gain his cooperation against the Spanish, promising self-determination after the successful expulsion of the Spanish colonial rule.

The Treatment of Aguinaldo

• The Americans imprisoned Aguinaldo after the surrender of the Spanish, despite their earlier promises of independence, unveiling a stark reality of their true intentions.

The American Occupation of the Philippines

• The Americans intentionally ignored the areas to be occupied by the Filipinos following the fall of the Spanish colonial government, instead establishing their own authority and control over the Philippines.

The Absence of a Filipino Representative at The Paris Peace Conference

• Filipinos were excluded from the Paris Peace Conference negotiations, effectively stripping them of their right to self-determination, highlighting the American disregard for Filipino agency.

Learn about the term 'American Apostasy' coined by Filipino historian Teodoro Agoncillo. Explore the historical background of how the Americans approached Aguinaldo in Hong Kong and Singapore during the fight for Philippine independence.