Before World War II, the Philippine islands had been under both Spanish and American control. The nation was first colonized by Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1565, and remained Spanish territory for another 227 years. In 1898, the Spanish-American War broke out, resulting in an American victory and the gain of almost all Spanish colonies, including Guam, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Philippines. When the US first acquired the Philippine islands, they claimed immediately that they would work towards building the islands into an independent nation. After some resistance in a guerrilla war, led by Emilio Aguinaldo, the Philippine people withdrew and complied to the orders of the United States. The agreement was sealed when Aguinaldo took an oath of allegiance to the US and retired. The American colonization of the Philippines seems peaceful and free from harsh oppression. Even though America ended up giving the Philippines independence, they quietly remained in control of the economics of the nation.
Under their “Tutelage Policy,” or guardianship over the Philippines, the US began makings small amendments that furthered the islands towards independence. In 1901 the US set up a National Philippine Constabulary, a nationwide police force. William Taft, the American president at the time, soon set up a “Second Philippine Constabulary,” which established economic, political, and social programs that expanded the Philippine potential. These reforms included free public education, removal of trade restrictions on Filipino goods, and political representation of the Filipino people, especially implementing Manuel Quezon and Sergio Osmena as leaders. A few years later, the “Tydings-McDuffy Act” was instituted by the US, establishing a commonwealth and constitution as well as building a 10 year plan towards independence. The US, however, maintained authority in foreign policy, immigration matters, trade, and currency regulation.
Under their “Tutelage Policy,” or guardianship over the Philippines, the US began makings small amendments that furthered the islands towards independence. In 1901 the US set up a National Philippine Constabulary, a nationwide police force. William Taft, the American president at the time, soon set up a “Second Philippine Constabulary,” which established economic, political, and social programs that expanded the Philippine potential. These reforms included free public education, removal of trade restrictions on Filipino goods, and political representation of the Filipino people, especially implementing Manuel Quezon and Sergio Osmena as leaders. A few years later, the “Tydings-McDuffy Act” was instituted by the US, establishing a commonwealth and constitution as well as building a 10 year plan towards independence. The US, however, maintained authority in foreign policy, immigration matters, trade, and currency regulation.
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