AMERICAN-RULE

Chapter 16 AMERICAN COLONIAL RULE: POLICY AND GOVERNANCE (1899 - 1907)

Introduction

• Winning the war did not ensure Filipino acceptance of American colonial rule.

• American policymakers recognized the importance of winning the hearts and minds of the Filipinos.

• Initial plans included establishing a civil government, which was hampered by ongoing resistance from Filipinos.

American Governance Challenges

• Efforts to pacify the Filipinos took nearly a decade, involving severe measures:

  • Martial Law and the Brigandage Act were implemented.

  • Reconcentration tactics were used, resulting in substantial Filipino casualties.

• Post-war American initiatives included:

  • Introduction of public education.

  • Establishment of elections.

  • Creation of an all-Filipino Lower House and appointments of Commissioners to the U.S. Congress.

The Military Rule

Establishment of Military Government

• Following Manila's capture, military administration was established by President McKinley.

• General Wesley Merritt was the first military governor, succeeded by Generals Elwell Otis and Arthur MacArthur.

Powers and Responsibilities

• Military governors held extensive powers (executive, legislative, judicial) initially, but these powers were gradually transferred:

  • Judicial powers transferred to a judicial system in 1899.

  • Legislative powers shifted to the Philippine Commission in 1900.

  • By 1901, executive powers given to the civil governor.

• Tasks of the military governors included:

  • Pacifying provinces resistant to American authority.

  • Organizing local governments; early elections took place in Baliwag, Bulacan.

American Policy in the Philippines

McKinley’s Vision

• McKinley’s policy aimed to govern the Philippines while respecting Filipino interests.

• The Schurman Commission was established for guidance, aiming for a peaceful transition to American rule.

The Schurman Commission's Findings

• Arrived in Manila in March 1899, investigated conditions through interviews with wealthy Filipinos (ilustrados).

• Recommendations for American rule included:

  • Enforcing American sovereignty.

  • Training Filipinos for self-government.

  • Protecting civil rights and promoting welfare.

• The Second Commission, the Taft Commission (1900), was formed to establish governance based on local customs and education in English.

Establishment of Civil Government

Spooner Amendment

• The Army Appropriations Act of 1901, featuring the Spooner Amendment, allowed the establishment of a civil government.

Taft's Leadership

• William Howard Taft became the first civil governor, tasked with rebuilding and pacifying the country.

• Resistance and guerrilla activities persisted despite Taft’s efforts to stabilize the situation.

Policies Under Taft

Repressive Measures

• Repressive laws included:

  • The Reconcentration Act attempted to contain guerrillas through zoning civilians.

  • General Orders permitted starvation tactics against the populace to compel recognition of U.S. authority.

• Emergence of severe laws against sedition and brigandage attempted to suppress nationalist sentiments.

Economic Relief and Agrarian Issues

• Taft appealed to Congress for economic aid—₹6,000,000 was appropriated for relief.

• Purchase and redistribution of friar lands attempted to address land grievances but primarily benefited the elite.

• Taft's commitment to "the Philippines for the Filipinos" contrasted sharply with American exploitation.

Nationalist Movements and Political Developments

Collaboration vs. Nationalism

• Some educated Filipinos collaborated with the Americans, while others, led by figures like Mabini, resisted.

• Exile of patriots such as Mabini reflected deeper nationalist sentiments against American rule.

The Philippine Bill of 1902

• Enacted by U.S. Congress, this law included:

  • Establishement of civil rights.

  • Creation of departments for governance.

  • Authorization for Filipino resident commissioners to the U.S. Congress.

Census and Political Parties

Implementation of the Census

• The first scientific census occurred on March 2, 1903, necessary for legislative preparations.

• Census showed a population of 7,635,426.

Formation of Political Parties

• Political parties formed, with constraints on platforms advocating independence:

  • Federal Party (pro-American) versus Nacionalista Party (pro-independence).

• Nacionalista Party gained overwhelming support in elections, reinforcing independence sentiment.

The First Philippine Assembly

Formation and Goals

• Inaugurated on October 16, 1907; represented the first Filipino legislative body since the Spanish era.

• Aimed for collaboration, autonomy, and progress in governance and development.

Achievements of the Assembly

• Passed laws to enhance economic and social development, including:

  • Establishment of agricultural banks.

  • Construction of infrastructure like railways, roads, and schools.

Resident Commissioners

• Under the Philippine Act of 1902, resident commissioners were elected to advocate for Philippine interests in the U.S. Congress.

Education Reforms

Introduction of Public School System

• The American education system became democratic and accessible, promoting literacy and English learning.

• The establishment of schools by American teachers known as Thomasites helped integrate the education system across various provinces.

Pensionado Program

• Launched in 1903, it sent Filipino students to the U.S. for higher education, ultimately creating a class of educated leaders that supported colonial rule.

Women's Status Under Colonial Rule

Improvements in Women's Rights

• Educational opportunities for women increased under American rule, allowing them to pursue careers beyond traditional roles.

• By 1935, women would gain the right to vote and participate in governance.