Philippine-American War Past Paper PDF

1. Significant Events Leading to the Filipino-American War ​ 1898 Treaty of Paris: Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States after its defeat in the Spanish-American War, ignoring Filipino independence declared by Emilio Aguinaldo. ​ Proclamation of Philippine Independence: On...

1. Significant Events Leading to the Filipino-American War ​ 1898 Treaty of Paris: Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States after its defeat in the Spanish-American War, ignoring Filipino independence declared by Emilio Aguinaldo. ​ Proclamation of Philippine Independence: On June 12, 1898, Aguinaldo declared Philippine independence, which the U.S. did not recognize. ​ Arrival of American Troops: Tensions escalated as U.S. forces established control over Manila, excluding Filipino revolutionary forces from participating in the city's capture. ​ First Shots of the War: On February 4, 1899, a Filipino soldier was shot by an American sentry in San Juan del Monte, marking the start of hostilities. 2. Key Events During the Filipino-American War ​ Battle of Manila (1899): Early confrontations between Filipino and American forces, demonstrating fierce Filipino resistance. ​ Shift to Guerilla Warfare: After losing major battles, Filipino forces shifted to guerilla tactics under Aguinaldo's leadership. ​ Capture of Emilio Aguinaldo (1901): Aguinaldo was captured by American forces in Palanan, Isabela, weakening the revolutionary movement. ​ Balangiga Massacre (1901): Filipino fighters ambushed U.S. troops in Samar, resulting in brutal American retaliation known as the "Balangiga Massacre." ​ End of Hostilities (1902): The U.S. declared the war officially over, though sporadic resistance continued. 3. Contributions of Filipino Heroes ​ Emilio Aguinaldo: Led the Filipino revolutionaries and declared independence from Spain and later resisted American occupation. ​ Antonio Luna: A brilliant military strategist who organized the Philippine army and fought valiantly against U.S. forces. ​ Gregorio del Pilar: Known as the "Boy General," he defended Tirad Pass, sacrificing his life to delay American troops pursuing Aguinaldo. ​ Apolinario Mabini: Known as the "Brains of the Revolution," he articulated the principles of Philippine independence and governance. ​ Macario Sakay: Led guerilla resistance against American rule even after the war was declared over. 4. Changes in Philippine Society During American Colonialism ​ Introduction of a Public Education System: American teachers (Thomasites) established schools, promoting English as the medium of instruction.  ​ Economic Shifts: American policies encouraged export-oriented agriculture, with crops like sugar and tobacco becoming significant. ​ Infrastructure Development: Roads, bridges, and public buildings were constructed to facilitate governance and commerce. ​ Cultural Shifts: American influence led to changes in Filipino culture, including the adoption of American fashion, sports (e.g., basketball), and music. ​ Emergence of Filipino Elite: A new class of educated Filipinos, called the ilustrados, gained prominence during this period. 5. Education System Introduced by the Americans ​ Establishment of Public Schools: A free public school system was created, accessible to all Filipino children. ​ Thomasites: American teachers were deployed to teach English and Western ideals. ​ Curriculum Focus: Emphasis was placed on vocational training, hygiene, civics, and English language skills. ​ Higher Education: The University of the Philippines was established in 1908, becoming a premier institution of higher learning. ​ Standardized System: A centralized system ensured uniformity and accessibility across the archipelago. Development of Transportation and Communication in the Lives of Filipinos: ​ Transportation: ○​ The Americans improved roads, bridges, and port facilities to enhance mobility and trade. ○​ Introduction of trains, streetcars, and steamships made travel faster and more accessible. ○​ Public works programs, including Manila’s harbor development, improved infrastructure. ○​ Improved transportation linked rural areas to urban centers, boosting agricultural trade and urban growth. ​ Communication: ○​ The Americans established postal services and introduced telegraph lines to improve communication within the archipelago and internationally. ○​ The development of telephone networks and the introduction of radio broadcasting revolutionized communication and information dissemination. Solutions to Social and Economic Problems During the Commonwealth Period: 1.​ Economic Reforms: ○​ Land redistribution programs addressed land ownership inequality.  ○​ The establishment of government cooperatives supported farmers. ○​ Promotion of industrialization and small businesses helped diversify the economy. 2.​ Social Reforms: ○​ Labor policies improved worker conditions and rights. ○​ Programs were initiated to improve public health and sanitation. ○​ Access to education was expanded to uplift the quality of life. 3.​ Governance: ○​ Efforts to create a unified national identity strengthened social cohesion. Contributions of the Commonwealth Government: ​ Drafting and ratifying the 1935 Constitution. ​ Establishment of a bicameral legislature. ​ Promotion of national defense preparations through military training programs. ​ Institutionalization of Filipino as the national language. ​ Advocacy for women’s suffrage, culminating in women gaining the right to vote in 1937. ​ Social justice reforms aimed at reducing economic and social disparities. Education System Introduced by the Americans and Its Effects: ​ Features of the System: ○​ Free primary education was established to promote universal literacy. ○​ English was introduced as the medium of instruction. ○​ Public schools were built, and the first state university, the University of the Philippines, was established. ​ Effects: ○​ Widespread literacy and adoption of Western education ideals. ○​ Creation of a professional middle class. ○​ English proficiency improved Filipinos' access to global opportunities. Development of Transportation and Communication and Its Impact on Filipinos: ​ Transportation: ○​ Easier movement of goods and people facilitated economic growth. ○​ Urbanization as rural Filipinos migrated to cities in search of opportunities. ○​ Accessibility to education, healthcare, and employment improved. ​ Communication: ○​ Faster and more reliable communication strengthened social and economic ties.  ○​ The spread of news and information enhanced political awareness and civic engagement. Programs and Policies of the Government During the American Occupation: 1.​ Social Justice: ○​ Laws protecting tenant farmers from abuses and providing fair rental arrangements. ○​ Initiatives to address poverty and improve living conditions. 2.​ Homestead Policy: ○​ Encouraged landless Filipinos to settle in Mindanao and other sparsely populated areas to develop agriculture and ease overpopulation in Luzon. 3.​ Institution of the National Language: ○​ Development and promotion of Filipino to foster national unity. 4.​ Acknowledgment of Women’s Right to Vote: ○​ Granting suffrage rights to women in 1937 was a landmark achievement for gender equality. These developments and reforms shaped the foundations of modern Philippine society, governance, and infrastructure.