United States President William McKinley was the leading influence in taking over the Philippines to expand the American empire overseas. His goal was to strengthen American trading capabilities in the Asian market. He was to deny the Filipino right of independence but felt strongly the responsibility to advance their civilization.
United States Navy Admiral George Dewey promised Emilio Aguinaldo and the Filipinos the right of independence in exchange for aid in the Spanish American War. Together the Philippines and the United States defeated Spain and freed the Philippines from Spanish rule. Admiral Dewey built the alliance with the Philippines knowing President McKinley's interests. The American deceit severed the alliance between the two countries.
Intercepting a message that Emilio Aguinaldo had sent out requesting more troops, General Funston put the plan to capture Aguinaldo into action. On March 23, 1901 Emilio Aguinaldo was captured. The loss of their leader was a key blow against the Philippines in the war. Unable to continue the fight because of his capture, Aguinaldo surrendered the islands to the United States.
With most Philippine rebels defeated, United States President Theodore Roosevelt declared the war officially over on July 4, 1912.
So far as I am aware not one competent witness who has actually known the facts believes the Filipinos capable of self-government at present, or believes that such an effort would result in anything but a horrible confusion of tyranny and anarchy. -President Theodore Roosevelt Free Silver,Trusts, and the Philippines Speech. September 7, 1900 |
The institutions of a free republic cannot at a leap be transplanted into wholly alien soil among a people who have not the slightest conception of liberty and |