American Colonialism and Imperialism in the Philippines

American’s believed that it is their duty to bring about civilization to ignorant people abroad through conversion or conquest
- Heavily believed that they had the “White Man’s Burden“ to care for their “little brown brothers“
- Anchored in Charles Darwin’s theory of ‘survival of the fittest‘ suggesting the racial superiority of Americans

The last decades of the 19th century saw phenomenal growth in American industries.
- Foreign markets had to be found to absorb the increase in manufactured goods.
- Markets and sources of raw materials were vital to the expanding American economy.
- Thus, territorial expansion became a must for Americans; the Americans took Pago-Pago from the Germans and intervened in Hawaii. They also wanted a slice of the Chinese "melon."
The Americans also believed that new outlets for American capital and fresh opportunities for their business interests had to be found and developed outside of the U.S.
American diplomats assigned in some Asian countries lobbied for the retention of the Philippines.
- Like the imperialists at home, they thought that the Philippines could become a springboard for American commercial expansion and supremacy in Asia, particularly in China.
- For a strong economic presence in Asia, the U.S. needed a base from where it could expand trade and commerce.

The U.S. desired colonies for power and glory. It wanted to play a role in the power politics in the Pacific.
Americans felt a rush of national pride coupled with a sense of moral purpose for spreading their civilization. The Philippines would be their first colony.
Philippines proved to be a strategic geopolitical base to form an army to secure Asia

The American Catholic Church favored the annexation of the Philippines because it was the only way to protect its economic interests. During the Philippine Revolution, the Filipino revolutionary government had taken possession of Church properties. If the Americans took over, the Church could retain its power and properties.
American protestant groups also approved annexation. They saw the Philippines as fertile ground for spreading Protestantism. The Philippines could also be a springboard for American evangelization in Asia, especially in China.

made any advocacy for Philippine independence a crime punishable by long imprisonment or death. The law also punished by long imprisonment and a fine any person who would "utter seditious words or speeches, write, publish or circulate scurrilous beliefs."

classified guerilla fighters as brigands or ladrones (tulisanes) and made membership in an armed group punishable by death or long imprisonment.

forced residents of towns infested with bandits and brigands to live in designated military zones. The purpose of this act was to prevent people from giving aid and support to rebels.

prohibited the display of all flags, banners, symbols and other paraphernalia to suppress nationalistic feelings.

Filipino loyalists such as Apolinario Mabini and Artemio Ricarte were deported to Hawaii

Built the public school system
- Used English as the mode of instruction
- Aimed to make Filipinos “little brown Americans“
- Military viewed endowing education to reduce resistance
- Allowed Filipinos to assimilate to American values and cultures, erasing their nationalistic sense and roots

Brigadier General Jacob Smith ordered that Samar be turned into a "howling wilderness." This was the result of the Balangiga incident.
Gen. Franklin Bell, campaigning in Batangas, ordered the burning of towns near areas of guerilla operations.
The occupation army also committed abuses and atrocities. Filipinos suspected of being rebels were subjected to water cure and other forms of turtore.

Publication such as El Nuevo Dia and El Renacimiento were subjected to censorship