American Colonization and the Third Republic (copy)

American Colonization (1898-1946)

Historical Background

• Spanish-American War (1898)

  • Conflict primarily over Cuba, triggered U.S. interest in the Philippines.

  • May 1, 1898: Admiral George Dewey defeated

    the Spanish fleet at Manila Bay.

  • Filipinos, notably Emilio Aguinaldo, hoped for independence after Spanish defeat.

Transition to American Rule

• Instead of freedom, the U.S. purchased the Philippines from Spain for $20 million under the Treaty of Paris (1898).

• Filipino resistance led to the Philippine-American War (1898-1902) as Aguinaldo rejected the treaty.

Policies Implemented by the Americans

• Economy:

  • Philippines became a chief supplier of raw materials to the U.S.

  • Built infrastructure (roads and railways) to support trade.

• Education:

  • Establishment of schools, English adopted as the primary language.

• Government:

  • Introduction of a semi-democratic government structure.

Effects of American Colonization

• Economic:

  • Development of infrastructure led to increased economic activity.

  • Issues of taxation and rising public debt emerged.

• Education:

  • Spread of the English language and greater access to education.

  • Restructured government with modernized democratic features.

End of American Colonization

• The colonization concluded with the granting of full independence on July 4, 1946.

Presidents of the Third Philippine Republic

• Manuel A. Roxas (1946-1948):

  • Focus: Rebuild post-WWII countryside.

  • Achievements: Signed Bell Trade Act for special trade relations with the U.S.

  • Issues: Faced poverty and Hukbalahap rebellion.

• Elpidio R. Quirino (1948-1953):

  • Focus: Economic recovery, strengthening government.

  • Initiated a Five-Year Economic Program.

  • Problems: Continued Hukbalahap rebellion and corruption allegations.

• Ramon D. Magsaysay (1953-1957):

  • Focus: Land reform and aiding the poor.

  • Achievements: Improved healthcare and education; resolved Hukbalahap uprising.

  • Legacy: Popularity and untimely death in a plane crash.

• Carlos P. Garcia (1957-1961):

  • Focused on “Filipino First Policy” to promote local businesses.

  • Continued land reforms.

• Diosdado P. Macapagal (1961-1965):

  • Emphasized land reform and patriotism.

  • Granted farmers land ownership through the Land Reform Code.

  • Changed Independence Day from July 4 to June 12.

• Ferdinand E. Marcos (1965-1986):

  • Focus: Infrastructure and economic expansion.

  • Faced corruption, national debt, and protests

  • Declared Martial Law in 1972 under the pretext of stopping communism.

Constitutional Changes During American Colonial Rule

1. Transition from Spanish to American Rule (1898-1901):

   • Treaty of Paris (1898) ended the Spanish-American War and ceded the Philippines to the U.S.

   • The Malolos Constitution: Passed in 1899 as Asia's first democratic constitution but was abolished in 1901.

2. American Colonial Government (1901-1935):

   • Philippine Organic Act of 1902: First law to govern the Philippines; introduced the Bill of Rights.

   • Jones Law (1916): Promised eventual independence; established a bicameral legislature.

3. The Commonwealth Era (1935-1941):

   • Tydings-McDuffie Act (1934): Allowed drafting of a national constitution, leading to the establishment of the Philippine Commonwealth.

   • The 1935 Constitution: Created a presidential system and was jointly approved by U.S. and Filipino leaders.

4. World War II and Japanese Occupation (1941-1945):

   • Japanese Constitution (1943): Established a puppet government; not recognized by Filipinos.

   • Restoration of the 1935 Constitution post-war under President Sergio Osmeña.

5. Post-Independence (1946):

   • Treaty of Manila (1946) granted full independence.

   • 1973 Constitution transitioned to a parliamentary system with increased presidential power during Martial Law.

Systems of Government: Presidential vs. Parliamentary

• Presidential System:

  • Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches are separate.

  • President acts as both head of state and government, directly elected with a fixed term.

• Parliamentary System:

  • Combines Executive and Legislative branches.

  • The Prime Minister leads the government, elected by Parliament, with no fixed term and can be removed via a no-confidence vote.

Conclusion

• American colonization and the establishment of the Third Republic significantly influenced Philippine government, economy, and education.

  • The 1935 Constitution introduced democratic governance with lasting American influence in legal frameworks.

  • Leaders like Roxas, Magsaysay, and Garcia implemented key reforms while Marcos’ era created a complex legacy.

  • Contemporary Philippines navigates between preserving traditions and adapting to modern realities while striving for true independence.

The American colonization of the Philippines followed the Spanish-American War in 1898, where Admiral George Dewey defeated the Spanish fleet at Manila Bay. Americans purchased the Philippines for $20 million under the Treaty of Paris, leading to Filipino resistance and the Philippine-American War (1898-1902). Under American rule, the Philippines became a significant supplier of raw materials, infrastructure was developed, and education was reformed with English as the primary language. The colonization ended with full independence granted on July 4, 1946. Subsequent leaders like Manuel A. Roxas, Elpidio R. Quirino, Ramon D. Magsaysay, and Ferdinand E. Marcos pursued various reforms while facing challenges such as poverty and corruption. The political landscape evolved through key constitutional changes from the Malolos Constitution to the 1973 Constitution. The distinction between presidential and parliamentary systems remains significant in understanding governance. Overall, American colonization profoundly influenced the economy, education, and democratic processes in the Philippines, with leaders navigating a legacy of reform and tradition.