Americans Take Over
As the Spanish-American War came to an end in the early 1900's, the Spanish gave their remaining territory to America as part of the deal that concluded the war. At this time, the Philippines had already began the struggle for independence and all lands belonged to them except for Manila. The American leaders at first did not put much attention to the Islands but eventually they decided to establish their control and took possession from the Filipinos in 1898. This transfer of power was established by the Treaty of Paris in 1898. Filipinos began to suspect U.S. control and this first created small clashes which then led on to the Philippine-American War. This war lasted three years and came to an end in 1902, when President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed a general amnesty. Philippines eventually got out of America's power in 1946 and gained its independence.
Why Did They Take The Land?
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The United States at first had no need for the Philippines during the early times. It was only until the lands were given to them by the Spanish that they decided to take it.
As the Spanish lost the Spanish-American War, they handed their lands over to America. America had no interest in these lands but took them as they represented their victory against the Spanish. The lands served them as a symbol of power and introduced them to Imperialism. As time went on, the United States realized that these lands were actually useful to them, especially in comercial trade with Asia. They were also concerned that the Philippines could not govern themselves properly and that other lands like Germany would take over if they did not. |
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Governing the Philippines
During the time the United States was in control of the Philippines, there were two types of government that took up different time eras.
The first was the United States Military Government which went on from 1898 to 1901. In this government, authoritarian power in all civil affairs in the Philippine government was completed by the American military governor.
It then moved on to be an Insular Government which lasted from 1901 to 1935. It was a civilian administration in Philippines which implemented the Philippine Organic Act which basically was a constitution. There was a governor-general of the Philippines appointed by the president of the U.S.A. They also had a bicameral Philippines legislature which represented the upper house and lower house which made up the Philippines Assembly.
The first was the United States Military Government which went on from 1898 to 1901. In this government, authoritarian power in all civil affairs in the Philippine government was completed by the American military governor.
It then moved on to be an Insular Government which lasted from 1901 to 1935. It was a civilian administration in Philippines which implemented the Philippine Organic Act which basically was a constitution. There was a governor-general of the Philippines appointed by the president of the U.S.A. They also had a bicameral Philippines legislature which represented the upper house and lower house which made up the Philippines Assembly.
Under American rules
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At first life under the US control was hard on the filipinos as they had to endure the battles and lost many of their own. But as the years went on, life for the natives became much easier. The Americans were not as harsh on the filipinos as the Spanish were and they were allowed to live out their lives along with their culture.
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