American annexation of the Philippines

Definition

The American annexation of the Philippines refers to the acquisition of the Philippine Islands by the United States following the Spanish-American War in 1898. This event marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, as it transitioned from continental expansion to overseas imperialism, raising questions about America's role on the global stage and its commitment to democracy and self-determination.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Treaty of Paris, signed in December 1898, officially ended the Spanish-American War and ceded the Philippines to the United States for $20 million.
2. The annexation faced significant opposition from anti-imperialist groups, who argued it contradicted American ideals of freedom and self-governance.
3. The Philippine-American War resulted in a brutal conflict with high casualties, including an estimated 200,000 Filipino civilians due to famine and disease.
4. The U.S. established a colonial government in the Philippines, which aimed to assimilate Filipino society and culture into American norms.
5. The annexation set a precedent for future U.S. interventions and territorial acquisitions in Asia and the Pacific, shaping American foreign policy well into the 20th century.

Review Questions

• How did the American annexation of the Philippines reflect a change in U.S. foreign policy during this period?
  • The American annexation of the Philippines represented a significant shift from a focus on continental expansion to overseas imperialism. This change was driven by economic interests, military strategy, and a belief in cultural superiority. By acquiring territories beyond North America, the U.S. positioned itself as a global power, influencing international relations and altering its role on the world stage.
• What were some arguments made by anti-imperialists against the annexation of the Philippines, and how did they challenge prevailing attitudes of the time?
  • Anti-imperialists argued that the annexation violated fundamental American principles such as democracy and self-determination. They believed that imposing American rule on another nation contradicted the country's founding values. These arguments challenged prevailing attitudes that favored imperialism as a means of spreading civilization and democracy, highlighting a moral dilemma within American expansionist policies.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the American annexation of the Philippines on U.S.-Philippine relations and broader implications for U.S. foreign policy.
  • The American annexation of the Philippines had profound long-term effects on U.S.-Philippine relations, creating tensions that lingered for decades. The brutal Philippine-American War fostered resentment among Filipinos toward American rule, complicating efforts to establish cooperative relations. Additionally, this annexation set a precedent for future U.S. interventions in Asia and solidified a pattern of imperialism that shaped America's foreign policy approach throughout the 20th century, often prioritizing strategic interests over democratic ideals.

Related terms

Spanish-American War:

A conflict in 1898 between Spain and the United States, primarily over the issue of Cuban independence, which resulted in U.S. control over several Spanish territories, including the Philippines.

Philippine-American War:

A conflict that erupted after the U.S. annexation of the Philippines, where Filipino revolutionaries fought for independence against American rule from 1899 to 1902.

Manifest Destiny:

The 19th-century doctrine that it was the destiny of the United States to expand its territory across North America, which later influenced American imperialism abroad.