The Spanish–American War (1898)
- Background
- Tensions rose after the explosion of the U.S.S. Maine in Havana; the U.S. declared war on Spain, citing the defense of Cuban and Filipino independence.
- American Expansionism
- The war reflected U.S. interest in overseas colonies and control of Pacific trade routes.
- Battle of Manila Bay (May 1898)
- U.S. Admiral George Dewey defeated the Spanish fleet, ending Spanish naval power in Asia.
- Filipino Involvement
- Emilio Aguinaldo and Filipino revolutionaries allied with the U.S. to defeat Spain, believing independence would follow.
- Treaty of Paris (1898)
- Ended the war; Spain ceded the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico to the U.S. for $20 million without Filipino consent.
Definition
Expansionism
- U.S. policy of acquiring territories abroad for economic and strategic purposes.
Definition
Treaty of Paris (1898)
- Agreement transferring the Philippines from Spain to the U.S.
The Spanish–American War and the Betrayal of Filipino Independence
U.S.–Filipino Alliance
- Aguinaldo returned from exile with U.S. support to lead revolutionary forces.
- Filipinos helped capture most of the Philippines from Spain by mid-1898.
- The U.S. presented itself as a liberator, encouraging hopes for freedom.
- Secret U.S. negotiations with Spain ignored Filipino leaders.
- Independence was declared on June 12, 1898, but not recognized by the U.S.
Consequences
- Filipinos felt betrayed when the U.S. claimed sovereignty under the Treaty of Paris.
- Tensions led to the Philippine–American War (1899–1902).
- The war marked the shift from liberation to colonization.
- Thousands of civilians died due to warfare and disease.
- Established U.S. dominance in the Pacific.
U.S. Colonial Rule in the Philippines (1898–1946)
- Philippine–American War (1899–1902)
- Aguinaldo’s forces resisted U.S. control but were defeated; the U.S. established full colonial rule.
- Military Government
- Initially ruled by the U.S. Army; later replaced by a civil government led by William Howard Taft (1901).
- Infrastructure and Education
- Americans built roads, bridges, and public schools; introduced English as the official language of instruction.
- Political Development
