The Philippines had been a Spanish colony for over 300 years before gaining independence in 1898. However, the U.S. soon took control and a war broke out between American and Filipino forces that resulted in thousands of deaths. While the U.S. established education systems and allowed some self-governance, Filipinos faced discrimination and rebellions continued for years. Gradually independence was established, and by 1946 full sovereignty was restored, allowing the Philippines to build upon reforms introduced during the American colonial period.

1. A PHOTO ESSAY BY LILIE MANNA AND
MADISON MAY

2.  In comparison to many other countries that were being colonized during the late nineteenth
century and early twentieth century, the Philippines stood out for many reasons. Previous to
American colonization in the late eighteen-nineties, the Philippines had already been colonized by
Spain for many years; so the country had already been adjusted to imperialism. The Filipino
people were expecting support from the U.S in their newly found independence, yet were
dismayed to learn that they were again ruled by an imperial power. However, compared to other
countries the Philippines were still far ahead in the move towards independence. With the help of
a “successful” American rule, the Philippines were able to make a somewhat tranquil transition to
freedom.
 During the Imperial rule in the Philippines there were many positive outcomes. One of the
biggest advantages was the education provided by the U.S for the Filipino people. People were
able to come to the United States to get a proper college or higher level education. Filipinos had
set themselves apart from other countries in their strive for a higher level of education. Another
advantage that the U.S system of government offered was their impact on the Filipino people and
their ideals. People of this colony also had a highly organized revolutionary modernity that many
other countries did not have at this point. The U.S wanted to civilize and Christianize
them, teaching them a better way to live. Though there were positive effects of U.S occupation
and colonization there were also some negative points. Many people in the U.S were confused as
to why the U.S needed a colony, and some elite members of the Filipino society were causing
trouble for the states. The colonization of the Philippines occurred to benefit both sides, and
compared to other countries it was ultimately successful. When the Filipinos continued to gain
independence they kept what the U.S had taught them, which helped obtain higher morals and a
better system of government.
Overview Summary

3. 
 The Philippines were a Spanish colony for nearly three hundred and
thirty years, and the locals had been crying for independence for
decades. Finally independence was granted to the colony in 1898.
Expecting support from other countries such as the United States, the
Philippines were celebrating their newly found independence.
Ruled By Spain

4. 
 This is a political cartoon
that was published in the
U.S. in 1898. The cartoon
shows President McKinley
taking the savage (The
Philippines) and debating
how to handle the country.
“There was nothing left for
us to do but to take them all
and to educate the
Filipinos, and uplift, and
civilize, and Christianize
them,” said President
McKinley. The U.S. took the
Philippines as their personal
responsibility.
What to do with
Philippines?

5. 
Treaty of Paris

6. 
 Soon after the Treaty of Paris was signed two battles broke out
between the Americans and the Filipinos, the first was between
the Moros (or Muslims) in Mindanao and lasted until 1912. The
Americans set up a government with no regard to the Moros
culture and religion which caused a war to break out.
War Breaks Out!

7. 
 Filipino leader Emilio Aguinaldo began guerrilla war tactics against
the American, hiding in bamboo thickets and bushes; both armies
commenced war through guerrilla tactics. By the end of 1902 seven
thousand Americans had been killed and more than two hundred
thousand Filipinos had died.
War Tactics

8.   Under America’s rule the
Filipinos were denied
employment and white
inhabitants had more rights.
The Filipinos were upset with
America because they thought
America was going to support
them in their independence;
however America did not trust
them. These “Anti-Filipino”
feelings resulted in raids and
revolts and overall
unhappiness. This was a
newspaper published on March
23rd, 1899, and it was not
uncommon to see titles like this
one.
Anti-Filipino Attitudes

9. 
 Though there were many things that were seen as negative for the
Filipinos, America also tried to help them as best they could. They
adapted college or higher level education in the colony and taught them
better ways to survive.
America Begins to
Benefit

10. 
 During America’s era of control, “Filipinization” was allowed. Filipinization
was a compromise that allowed colonial authorities some government action.
Elite citizens in the colony were elected as a member of the Philippine
Commission, which was allowed to draft acts and have a potential say in the
government. Taken in 1914, this photo shows the Philippine Commission, and
many mayors of different villages.
Filipinization

11. 
 At the Manila Grand Opera House, the Filipinos established their
want for independence. President Theodore Roosevelt addressed
the Philippine Assembly and addressed their fellow delegates and
proclamation, and the path to independence had started.
Road to Independence

12.   On July 4th, 1946, the United
States Government restored
full independence in the
Philippines. After battling
different imperial powers for
years, the Filipinos finally
achieves their dreams. They
were ahead of other countries
trying to gain their freedom
from the beginning, and that is
why they were successful.
Freedom At Last!

13. “Proclamation of Philippine Independence.” 1898. National Liberation, Painting. Accessed June
12, 2013. http://www.padidioni.wordpress.com/.
“What Will He Do?”. 1898. The Eyes of the World are upon him- William McKinley. Cartoon.
Accessed on June 10, 2013. http://www.authorama.com/true-version-of-the-philippine-
revolution-1.html
Frances Johnston “John Hay Signs the Treat of Paris”. April, 11 1899. Photograph. Accessed on
June 11, 2013. http://archive.org/details/harperspictorial00milerich
“A Long Buried War with the Moros” 1913. Painting. Accessed on June 10, 2013.
http://endeavors.unc.edu/win2006/feature_04.php
Arnaldo Dumindin. “Philippine-America n War”. 1899. Americans engaging Filipinos in
Bamboo thicket. Photograph. Accessed on June 10, 2013.
http://philippineamericanwar.webs.com/guerillawarfare1899.htm
“Anti-Filipino Feelings Flare Up in Raids”. 1898. Newspaper. Accessed on June 10, 2013.
http://jgasampop.blogspot.com/2009/12/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-x-none.html
Pictography

14. 
“American Education in the Philippines.” 1901. Photograph. Accessed on June 10,
2013. http://www.authorama.com/true-version-of-the-philippine-revolution-
1.html
“Filipinization”. 1914. Allowing colonial authorities some government action while
America had complete control. Photograph. Accessed June 11, 2013.
http://www.morolandhistory.com/03.PG-Americans/4.americans.htm
“Establishing the Philippine Assembly”. 1902. William Taft addresses the new
assembly. Photograph. Accessed June 11, 2013.
http://www.manilagrandopera.com/content/pre-world-war-ii/
“Filipino Independence”. July 4, 1946. Resetoration and recognition of
independence. Photograpg. Accessed June 11, 2013.
http://philippineamericanwar.webs.com/aguinaldo19021964.htm
Pictography Continued