The Philippines was a Spanish colony for over 300 years until the United States took control after the Spanish-American War in 1898. It gained independence in 1946 after being occupied by Japan during World War II. Important figures in its history include William Howard Taft, Corazon Aquino, Douglas MacArthur, and Ferdinand Marcos. Key events and agreements that shaped the country include the EDSA Revolution, Military Bases Agreement, and Mutual Defense Treaty.