Philippine-American War

Definition

The Philippine-American War was a conflict between the United States and the First Philippine Republic from 1899 to 1902, which arose from the struggle of the Philippine people for independence following the Spanish–American War. It was a significant event in the context of the United States' overseas expansion and the establishment of its empire in the early 20th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Philippine-American War began after the United States refused to recognize the independence of the Philippines, which had been declared following the Spanish-American War.
2. The conflict resulted in the deaths of over 200,000 Filipino civilians, making it one of the bloodiest wars in the history of the United States.
3. The war led to the United States' acquisition of the Philippines as a territory, which it would govern until the Philippines gained independence in 1946.
4. The conflict highlighted the growing power and ambitions of the United States as it emerged as a global imperial power in the early 20th century.
5. The Philippine-American War was a significant event in the broader context of the Spanish-American War and the United States' overseas expansion, as it marked the country's transition from a continental power to a global empire.

Review Questions

• Explain the causes and origins of the Philippine-American War.
  • The Philippine-American War arose from the struggle for Philippine independence following the Spanish-American War. After the United States refused to recognize the Philippines' declaration of independence, tensions escalated between the Filipino forces led by Emilio Aguinaldo and the U.S. military, leading to the outbreak of armed conflict in 1899. The war was a significant event in the context of the United States' overseas expansion and its transition from a continental power to a global imperial power in the early 20th century.
• Describe the impact and consequences of the Philippine-American War.
  • The Philippine-American War had a devastating impact, resulting in the deaths of over 200,000 Filipino civilians, making it one of the bloodiest wars in U.S. history. The conflict also highlighted the growing power and ambitions of the United States as it emerged as a global imperial power, leading to the acquisition of the Philippines as a U.S. territory, which it would govern until the Philippines gained independence in 1946. The war was a significant event in the broader context of the Spanish-American War and the United States' overseas expansion, marking the country's transition from a continental power to a global empire.
• Analyze the significance of the Philippine-American War in the context of the United States' overseas empire and its impact on the country's foreign policy.
  • The Philippine-American War was a pivotal event in the context of the United States' overseas expansion and the establishment of its empire in the early 20th century. The conflict highlighted the growing power and ambitions of the United States as it transitioned from a continental power to a global imperial power, leading to the acquisition of the Philippines as a U.S. territory. The war also had a significant impact on the country's foreign policy, as it demonstrated the U.S. government's willingness to use military force to suppress the independence movements of other nations and establish its dominance in the international arena. The consequences of the war, including the high civilian death toll and the long-term governance of the Philippines, would have lasting implications for the United States' reputation and its approach to foreign affairs in the years to come.

Related terms

Emilio Aguinaldo: The first president of the Philippines and a key figure in the Philippine-American War, leading the Filipino forces against the United States.

Imperialism: The policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force, often resulting in the establishment of economic and political control over other areas.

Annexation: The process of officially incorporating new territory into the domain of a state or country, often through conquest or negotiation.