US Imperialism Wars TEXT

US-Philippine War

• Background: Filipinos endured 300 years of Spanish rule prior to the US-Spain War (1898)

• Expectation for Independence: Many Filipinos hoped for independence post-Spain defeat

• Treaty of Paris (1898): US sought control over the Philippines to extend influence into Asia instead of granting independence

• Insurrection: Filipino rulers, led by Emilio Aguinaldo, resisted US control, creating the First Philippine Republic in January 1899.

• Conflict: Violence began February 4, 1899. US military might outmatched the Filipinos leading to massive casualties:

  • Death toll: Over 4,200 American, 20,000 Filipino soldiers, and 200,000 civilians

  • Guerrilla warfare led to US reprisals, including village burnings

• End of Conflict: By July 4, 1902, President Roosevelt declared the insurrection over.

• Aftermath: Philippines gained autonomy, elections held in 1907, with eventual independence recognized in 1946.

The Banana Wars

• Background: US interventions in Central and South America post-1898 to protect commercial interests.

• Countries Affected: Cuba, Panama, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Haiti.

• Panama Canal: US helped Panamanian rebels for independence; in return, the US controlled canal strip.

• Honduras: US military intervened seven times (1903-1925) to maintain stability for fruit industry.

  • O. Henry termed Honduras a "banana republic" due to US influence.

• Nicaragua: US concerned about political instability; consistently maintained military presence (1916-1924) to prevent foreign influence

• Haiti & Dominican Republic: US intervened in response to assassinations of leaders (1912, 1914), and occupied to prevent German aggression in 1916 during WWI.