Philippine Under US Control PDF

PHILIPPINE UNDER S UNITED THE  Lesson 8 KEY CONCEPTS COMMONWEALTH FILIPINIZATION HOMESTEADING KALIBAPI  INTRODUCT The turn of the 20th Century was a turbulent period for the country. The United ION States en...

PHILIPPINE UNDER S UNITED THE  Lesson 8 KEY CONCEPTS COMMONWEALTH FILIPINIZATION HOMESTEADING KALIBAPI  INTRODUCT The turn of the 20th Century was a turbulent period for the country. The United ION States entered the scene as new colonizers and left an indelible mark the Philippines identity and institutions. While the Philippines fought the United States in a bloody Philippine-American War which was lasted for more than a decade, the entirety of the country was subjected to U.S control creating a colonial state under the auspices of the United States. This state saw the privileging of the Filipino Christian elite into what historian Michael Cullinane referred to as the "Filipino-American collaborative empire." The continuing battle for Philippine independence moved from the battlefield to political negotiations, and in 1935, the 10-year transitional period called the Philippine Commonwealth was set up. Manuel L. Quezon of Nacionalista Party was elected president and easily won reelection in 1941, the sudden attack of the Japanese put things to halt, as World War I in the Pass broke out. As the Allied Forces led by the United States won the war in 1945, Philippines was declared independent in 1946, leaving a country devastated by is to fend for itself with its newly gained independence.  This lesson looks at three representative texts from this tumultuous period such as the petition letter against American governor-general Leonard Wood, whose acts as the American executive were seen by Filipino leaders as an Filipino; the Public Land Acts of 1903 and 1936, which institutionalized the Torre system in the Philippines and discriminated against the Muslims and the Lumad of Mindanao; and the political caricatures and comic strips of the American Peng and Japanese Occupation, respectively, which showed the raging political bates about the question of Philippine annexation, as well as the propaganda campaign of Japan in the Philippines.  Filipino Grievance against From the time Americans arrived in the country, the Filipino persistently demanded to give Governor-General Wood them independence but they did not respond in a way those people would understand easily, instead they resort to some tactics like appointing Filipino politicians to key government in order to pacify them and make the forget about their desire for independence. The Filipino were patient and diligent to the task of meeting the conditions given to them because they trust the Americans. And after a while, the president of the United States assigned Major-General Wood to the Philippines as a governor-General, and as participating in the liberation of Cuba, Filipino expected that the spirit of cooperation will be maintained and political emancipation will be completed. However, Wood’s conduct of governance characterized by a train of usurpation and arbitrary acts, resulting in the curtailment of the autonomy, destruction of the constitutional system, and the reversal of America’s Philippine policy.  It is listed in the document the things he did that is beyond the law and prohibited the Filipino from what the administration before offered to them. Some of it is his attempt in closing the Philippine National Bank which is an important branch for economic development. Another one is reversing the policy of Filipinization the service of the government by appointing Americans even when Filipinos of proven capacity were available. Aside form that, he also promulgated an executive order exercising his solely and by himself the power and duties in the government, depriving the opportunity to discuss the matter form others. This why, a group of Filipino politicians write a document for the American government to look at this case and dismember him from the government and from governing the country. But some side of the case shows that there are some Filipino politicians who uses this opportunity to hide their wrongdoings or corruption as Wood’s started to expose them.  The "Filipino Grievances Against Governor-General Wood" outlines the discontent of Filipino leaders with U.S. colonial governance under Leonard Wood. Initially, U.S. rule varied by political party, with Republicans advocating for prolonged control while Democrats, especially under Woodrow Wilson, aimed for quicker independence. Harrison's appointment fostered greater Filipino participation, but this changed when Wood took office in 1921. His administration was marked by authoritarian policies, interference in local governance, and the reinstatement of a controversial police chief, leading to significant resignations among Filipino officials. The grievances detail over twenty accusations against Wood's administration, portraying it as oppressive and detrimental to Filipino autonomy. The petition culminates in a call for justice from the American public, emphasizing the leaders' commitment to self-governance and their disillusionment with U.S. promises of freedom.  HERE ARE THE KEY POINTS FROM THE U.S. Colonial Rule Dynamics: DOCUMENT "FILIPINO GRIEVANCES AGAINST The duration of U.S. colonial rule in the Philippines varied depending on the ruling political party in the U.S. The Republican Party (McKinley, Roosevelt, Taft) supported long-term control, while the Democrats GOVERNOR-GENERAL (Wilson) advocated for earlier independence. Changes Under Woodrow Wilson: WOOD": Wilson’s election in 1912 led to significant changes, including the appointment of Francisco Burton Harrison as governor-general, who aimed for greater Filipino participation in government and the transfer of power in certain regions from the U.S. military to Filipino officials. Philippine Autonomy Act: The 1916 Jones Law established a bicameral legislature, reducing the proportion of American officials in the government significantly by 1919. Corruption Investigations: Under President Harding, Leonard Wood and William Cameron Forbes investigated the Philippines' compliance with the Jones Law, revealing corruption and inefficiency, which upset Filipino leaders. Wood’s Governance: Leonard Wood’s appointment in 1921 led to increased tension with Filipino leaders due to his authoritarian style, interference in local politics, and the reinstatement of a controversial police chief. Filipino Elite Response: Discontent among Filipino leaders resulted in resignations from political positions and a strong pushback against Wood’s policies, including a petition expressing grievances. Petition Against Governor Wood: The joint resolution criticized Wood’s governance, highlighting a shift from cooperative governance to oppression, with accusations of usurpations and violations of Filipino autonomy. Appeal for Justice: The Filipino leaders expressed their protest against Wood's arbitrary actions, appealing to the American public's sense of justice and urging support for their rights and autonomy. Historical Context: The document reflected a broader historical struggle for Filipino self-governance and resentment towards the perceived betrayal of American promises regarding independence. These points capture the essence of the grievances articulated by Filipino leaders against Governor-General Wood, emphasizing their desire for self-governance and the frustrations with colonial rule.  ANALYSIS OF THE PETITION "I would rather have a LETTER government run like hell Filipinos than a government run like heaven by by -Manuel L. Americans." The analysis of the petition letter reveals the complexities surrounding the Quezon quest for Filipino independence during Leonard Wood's tenure as governor-general. While the Nacionalista Party, led by Quezon, faced criticism for corruption and was seen as using their positions to consolidate power, their grievances against Wood were rooted in legitimate concerns. Wood's previous role as military governor of the Moro province and his actions—such as transferring jurisdiction of Muslim areas to American-led agencies were viewed as efforts to undermine the Nacionalistas and delay independence. This situation highlighted how some Filipino leaders might exploit the independence issue for personal gain, complicating the narrative of their fight for freedom. Quezon's famous quote underscores a preference for Filipino governance, regardless of its flaws, over American rule. Ultimately, the petition reflects Filipino leaders' determination to hold Wood accountable, which contributed to the momentum for independence leading to the Tydings-McDuffie Act of 1934.  PUBLIC LAND LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES The "Public COLONIAL Land Laws of GOVERNMENT the United States Colonial Government" outlines the U.S. strategy to integrate Muslim Mindanao and its indigenous peoples during the colonial period, particularly in the context of the ongoing quest for Filipino independence. This discusses the early 20th-century policies surrounding homesteading in the Philippines under U.S. colonial rule. It focuses on Act No. 926, passed in 1903, which allowed Filipino citizens, U.S. citizens, and citizens of U.S. insular possessions over the age of 21 or heads of families to claim up to 16 hectares of unoccupied, agricultural public land in the Philippines. The law required applicants to prove the land was for their personal use and cultivation, was non-mineral, and unoccupied. The act excluded the Moro Province and some highland areas, reflecting the challenges U.S. forces faced due to local resistance in these regions, especially from the Moro people.  The policy of homesteading encouraged Filipinos from Luzon and the Visayas to settle in Mindanao, often under the misconception that these lands were uninhabited. The gradual increase in settlers in Mindanao led to significant displacement of the indigenous Moro and Lumad communities, who lost ancestral lands as a result of the government's land policies. This mirrored U.S. "pioneering" policies, which similarly dispossessed Native Americans in North America. By 1970, settlers controlled much of Mindanao's land, which had previously belonged to indigenous peoples. The long-term result was a significant cultural weakening and marginalization of these communities. Present-day conflicts in Mindanao, often attributed to religious or ethnic differences, are deeply rooted in the policies that shaped land ownership, agricultural development, and resource distribution during this period. The Public Land Laws enacted by the United States Colonial Government in the Philippine Islands aimed to regulate the distribution and management of public lands during the American colonial period (1898-1946). These laws had significant social, economic, and political implications, particularly in relation to land ownership and the displacement of indigenous populations. Here are the major Public Land Laws implemented during this period: Philippine Organic Act (1902) This was the foundational law that established the framework for the U.S. colonial administration in the Philippines. It included provisions related to the disposition of public lands and the legal framework for land ownership. The act authorized the U.S. President to reserve public lands for military or other governmental uses and set the stage for future land laws, such as the Public Land Act of 1903.. Public Land Act of 1903 (Act No. 926) The Public Land Act was one of the most significant laws passed under U.S. rule to manage public lands in the Philippines. It allowed individuals and corporations to acquire unoccupied, unreserved public agricultural lands. Key Provisions: Homesteads: Filipino and American citizens (or Insular citizens) could apply for homesteads of up to 16 hectares. Later amendments expanded the land area to 24 hectares (1919). Sales of Public Land: Land could be sold to private individuals or corporations for agricultural purposes, with a limit of 100 hectares for individuals and 1,024 hectares for corporations. Leases: Public lands could be leased for a renewable period, not exceeding 25 years, with a maximum area of 1,024 hectares. Reservations and Exceptions: Certain lands were reserved for public purposes, and mineral or forest lands were generally exempt from sale. Friar Lands Act (1904) After the U.S. acquired lands from Spanish religious orders, these "friar lands" were redistributed under the Friar Lands Act. The act aimed to sell large tracts of land previously owned by Spanish friars to tenants and other small-scale farmers, but this often resulted in legal challenges and social unrest as tenant farmers were frequently unable to purchase the land they worked. Amendments to the Public Land Act (1919) To encourage the settlement of Mindanao and other sparsely populated areas, the 1919 amendment to the Public Land Act expanded the maximum size of homesteads from 16 hectares to 24 hectares and made it easier for settlers to claim and cultivate lands. These amendments targeted agricultural development, particularly in Mindanao, to attract Filipino settlers from other regions (Luzon and Visayas) and foreigners. Moro Land Policies and Resistance Initially, the Moro Province (Muslim-majority regions in Mindanao) and other non-Christian areas were exempted from public land laws. However, after U.S. military suppression of Moro resistance (e.g., the Bud Bagsak Massacre in 1913), these laws were gradually extended to these regions, leading to widespread displacement of Moros and indigenous people by settlers. The U.S. colonial government encouraged the migration of Christian settlers to Mindanao, contributing to land conflicts between the Moro population and the new settlers. Commonwealth Act No. 141 (Public Land Act of 1936) Under the Commonwealth of the Philippines, led by President Manuel L. Quezon, Act No. 141 replaced the Public Land Act of 1903. It laid the foundation for land management during the Commonwealth and post-independence periods. Key Provisions: Expanded Homesteads: Citizens over the age of 18 could apply for up to 24 hectares of agricultural land. Improved Application Process: The act required the Director of Lands to approve applications based on merit and authorized the acquisition of public land through payment of a small fee. Non-Christian Tribes: The act allowed for the allocation of smaller plots (up to 4 hectares) for members of non-Christian tribes, who were expected to cultivate the land within a set period. This division between Christian and non-Christian Filipinos reflected colonial biases and further marginalized indigenous groups. Impacts of Public Land Laws Displacement of Indigenous Peoples: The U.S. colonial land policies, especially in Mindanao, resulted in large-scale migration of Christian settlers from the Visayas and Luzon, displacing Moros and indigenous groups from their ancestral lands. Economic and Social Inequality: Wealthier individuals and corporations often benefited from the public land laws, acquiring large tracts of land, while poorer Filipinos and indigenous people struggled to access land. Land Conflicts: The redistribution of public lands, particularly in Mindanao, created long-lasting land conflicts that persist to this day.  The homesteading policies in Mindanao, initiated during the U.S. colonial period and continued under the Commonwealth Government, had a profound and lasting impact on the region. Although framed as a development strategy to utilize public lands for agricultural and economic growth, these policies resulted in the displacement and marginalization of the indigenous Moro and Lumad communities. The introduction of settlers from other parts of the Philippines dramatically shifted land ownership, stripping the indigenous populations of their ancestral lands and weakening their cultural heritage. Homesteading was based on the American concept of "pioneering," which similarly led to the disenfranchisement of Native Americans. In Mindanao, this process not only altered the demographics but also sowed the seeds for long-standing conflicts over land, identity, and governance. Despite its legal and state-sanctioned framework, homesteading became a tool for colonial and later post-colonial government policies that prioritized settlers' interests over the rights of the indigenous peoples. In conclusion, while homesteading contributed to the development of Mindanao, it also created deep social, cultural, and political divisions that persist to this day. The policies that encouraged settlement and land appropriation failed to recognize and protect the rights of Mindanao's original inhabitants, leaving a legacy of conflict and inequality.  Political Caricature of the American Era and Japanese Wartime Visual veered away from classical art by Propaganda The proliferation of political cartoons and caricatures in media is a rather recent art form that exaggerating human features and poking fun at its subjects. Such art genre and technique became a part of the print media as a form of social and political commentary, which usually targets persons of power and authority. Cartoons became a useful tool of publicizing opinions through heavy use of symbolism, which is different from a verbose written editorial and opinion pieces. The unique way that a caricature represents the opinion and captures the audience's imagination is reason enough for historians to examine these political cartoons. Commentaries in mass media, through a freer press under the United States, inevitably shaped public opinion, and such kind of opinion is worthy of historical examination. When the Philippines was unwillingly plunged into war as the Japanese occupied the country, they captured the press and allowed only newspapers to release issues under their control. These newspapers primarily featured propaganda by the Japanese. Cartoons and comic strips commissioned by the Japanese replaced the American version, and specific themes emerged from these propaganda materials. While maligned as a historical source, analyzing propaganda comic strips reveals the realities of the Filipino society at war. The use of political caricatures and comic strips during the American colonial era and Japanese occupation of the Philippines offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the socio-political landscape of the time. These visual mediums, often overlooked in favor of more formal historical sources, provide critical insights into public sentiment, propaganda, and everyday struggles. Political Caricatures in the American Era Satirical Power: Political cartoons became an essential medium for social and political commentary during the American era, highlighting colonial policies and injustices in a way that written editorials could not. By exaggerating features and incorporating symbolism, these cartoons simplified complex political issues for mass consumption. Public Opinion and Critique: The press, enjoying a degree of freedom under American colonial rule, allowed for a critical examination of U.S. policies. Caricatures often commented on the inequality between Filipinos and Americans, the imposition of Western norms, and how U.S. colonial rule shaped the Philippines' political and economic life. For instance, the police were portrayed as selectively oppressive, targeting poor Filipinos while turning a blind eye to elite monopolists. Social Change: These caricatures also reflected shifting societal values, such as the "sexual revolution" of the 1930s, where young Filipinos challenged conservative norms. They became a meeting point between the country's traditional past and its increasingly liberal future under American influence. Japanese Wartime Visual Propaganda Censorship and Control: During the Japanese occupation, all forms of media were tightly controlled. Political cartoons that had flourished under American rule were replaced by Japanese propaganda, which portrayed Japan as a benevolent power liberating the Philippines from Western imperialism. Subtle Resistance: While Filipinos could not openly criticize the Japanese, some cartoonists, like Tony Velasquez and Ros, used subtle methods to challenge their occupiers. Velasquez, a pre-war komikero known for creating characters like Kenkoy, embedded nuanced critiques within seemingly innocuous comic strips. For example, Nene's prayer about the lack of bread subtly criticized the food shortages under Japanese rule, a reflection of the harsh realities Filipinos faced. Propaganda Themes: Japanese-sponsored comic strips promoted militarism and encouraged loyalty to Japan. The promotion of daily exercise (like in the Radio Taiso strips) and learning the Japanese language were part of Japan’s effort to cultivate a new Filipino identity aligned with their imperial goals. The strips encouraged Filipinos to see themselves as part of a greater Asian order, with Japan at the helm. Life During the War: The comic strips also illustrated the hardships of daily life during the Japanese occupation, such as food scarcity and the use of substitutes like camote for rice and bananas for ketchup. These visual depictions allowed Filipinos to relate to the content, even if it was laced with propaganda. Social Commentary and Historical Value Symbolism of Resistance: The fact that Filipino cartoonists were still allowed to create under Japanese censorship gave them an opportunity to weave subtle criticisms into their work. Even under the guise of propaganda, the portrayal of daily struggles, like food shortages and the harsh realities of occupation, offered a sense of solidarity and quiet resistance among the Filipino populace. Propaganda’s Dual Nature: While designed to promote loyalty to the Japanese occupiers, the visual media also acted as a mirror to the oppressive and difficult conditions that Filipinos endured. The cartoons and comic strips served a dual purpose—on one hand, disseminating the Japanese agenda, and on the other, providing a critique of their failure to deliver on promises of prosperity and stability. THANK YOU!