Philippines

Definition

The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia composed of over 7,000 islands, known for its diverse culture and strategic location in the Pacific. The islands were a significant focal point during the era of American imperialism and expansionism, as they became a territory of the United States following the Spanish-American War in 1898.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. After defeating Spain in the Spanish-American War, the Treaty of Paris (1898) ceded the Philippines to the United States for $20 million.
2. The acquisition of the Philippines marked a significant shift in American foreign policy, as it expanded U.S. influence into Asia and the Pacific region.
3. The Philippine-American War (1899-1902) ensued as Filipinos resisted U.S. control, leading to a brutal conflict that resulted in significant casualties on both sides.
4. The U.S. established a colonial government in the Philippines, implementing educational reforms and infrastructure development while facing resistance from nationalists.
5. The Philippines was granted Commonwealth status in 1935, allowing for increased self-governance, but full independence was not achieved until 1946.

Review Questions

• How did the acquisition of the Philippines change America's role on the world stage during the age of imperialism?
  • The acquisition of the Philippines transformed America's role by positioning it as an imperial power with overseas territories. This marked a departure from its previous isolationist stance and reflected a growing interest in expanding American influence across Asia and the Pacific. The control over the Philippines allowed for strategic military bases and access to new markets, showcasing America's emerging status as a global player.
• Analyze how the Philippine-American War reflected tensions between American ideals and imperialist practices.
  • The Philippine-American War highlighted a stark contradiction between American ideals of freedom and self-determination versus its imperialist actions. While the U.S. justified its takeover by claiming to bring civilization and democracy to the islands, Filipino resistance illustrated their desire for independence and self-rule. This conflict exposed the complexities of American expansionism and raised questions about its moral implications in relation to its founding principles.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of American colonization on Philippine society and governance post-independence.
  • American colonization had lasting effects on Philippine society and governance that can still be seen today. The establishment of a public education system laid the groundwork for literacy and civic engagement but also created a dependency on American culture. Additionally, political structures set during colonial rule influenced governance patterns post-independence, leading to ongoing challenges regarding political stability and national identity as Filipinos navigated their post-colonial reality.

Related terms

Spanish-American War:

A conflict between the United States and Spain in 1898 that resulted in the U.S. acquiring territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

American Colonization: The process by which the United States took control of territories such as the Philippines, often justified by the belief in American exceptionalism and the notion of 'civilizing' these areas.

Insular Cases: A series of Supreme Court cases that determined the constitutional rights of inhabitants in U.S. territories acquired after the Spanish-American War, including the Philippines.