AMERICAN INVOLVEMENT IN THE

PHILIPPINE REVOLUTION

Theodore Roosevelt wanted war between US and Spain to justify the expansion of the US

navy. He worked for the appointment of Commodore

George Dewey as commander of Asiatic Fleet and ordered his

fleet to stay in Hong Kong in case America goes to war

against Spain

In the last decades of 19th century, economic boom

transformed America into a foremost manufacturer of consumer goods and an

industrial giant.

US wanted a share of Chinese “melon” which at that time was

divided by European powers.

US proposed an “Open Door Policy,” to preserve the “the territorial and administrative entity” of China against the

imperialists.

AMERICAN INTERESTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Cuban Revolution against Spain gave the US an opportunity to take control over Cuba and the Philippines.

Upon the explosion and sinking of the battleship USS Maine in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898, which was allegedly done by Spain, US declared war against Spain on April 25, 1898.

Dewey and his fleet sailed from Hong Kong to Manila and on May 1, 1898, his forces defeated the Spanish fleet under Admiral Patricio Montojo in the Battle of Manila Bay and blockaded the area.

SPANISH AMERICAN WAR

In Singapore, E. Spencer Pratt, an American consul contacted Aguinaldo and persuaded him to side with the Americans against the Spaniards.

Pratt also arranged for Aguinaldo’s return to Hong Kong. Before he left, he gave American Consul Rounsville Wildman P117,000.00 to purchase arms and ammunitions but the latter only delivered P50,000.00 worth of weapons.

AGUINALDO AND THE AMERICAN CONSULS

He returned on May17, 1898 and reached Cavite on May 19, 1898 where he was taken to the USS Olympia, Dewey’s flagsip.

The two men had a conference and Dewey assured Aguinaldo that the US would recognize Philippine Independence. But was denied later by Dewey.

Aguinaldo issued proclamations calling on the Filipinos to join the revolution again.

AGUINALDO’S RETURN TO THE PHILIPPINES

American troops began arriving in the Philippines in June 1898. As of July, there were over 10,000 US troops.

A secret agreement was initiated by Spain and USA.

Spanish Gov. Gen. Fermin Jaudenes, agreed to surrender Manila on the condition that there should be a mock battle to satisfy the Spanish code of honor. Filipino troops should also be excluded

Since then, Filipinos leaders grew suspicious of the American’s true intention

MOCK BATTLE OF MANILA

MALOLOS REPUBLIC

Aguinaldo established the Dictatorial Government, temporary in nature, on May 24, 1898

DEVELOPMENTS LEADING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT

Aguinaldo declared Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite.

Part of the declaration states “…under the protection of the Mighty and Humane North American Nation…”

It marked the raising of the Philippine national flag for the first time

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

On June 18, 1898, Aguinaldo issued a decree prepared by Apolinario Mabini to reorganize the local government in provinces already freed from Spanish control

The decree also provided for the election of delegted from each province which constituted the Revolutionary Congress.

It replaced the dictatorial government on June 23, 1898

REORGANIZATION OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Members of the Congress belonged to the elite class who assemble by Aguinaldo in Barasoian Church.

They ratified the independence proclaimed in Kawit.

Drafted a constitution, opposed by Mabini but it was overruled under the leadership of Pedro Paterno.

On January 21, 1899, Aguinaldo promulgated the Malolos Constitution.

MALOLOS CONGRESS

The Philippine Republic was inaugurated at Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan on January 23, 1899 with Aguinaldo as President.

He granted pardon to all Spanish prisoners who were not members of the Spanish regular army

MALOLOS REPUBLIC

Popular, representative, and responsible with three distinct branches

Legislative powers were vested in the Assembly of Representatives composed of delegated elected according to law

There was separation of Church and State.Administration of justice was vested in the

Supreme Court.Provided a Permanent Commission to sit as

legislative body when the Assembly was not in session

MALOLOS CONSTITUTION

The Treaty ended the Spanish-American War

Spain ceded the Philippines to the US and in return would receive $20,000,000 as payment for improvements made in the colony

TREATY OF PARIS

President McKinley issued his “Benevolent Assimilation” Proclamation on December 21, 1898, which formally indicated American intention to annex the Philippines

Gen. Elwell Otis published the proclamation only on Jan4, 1899 after changing some inflammatory terms such as “sovereignty.”

MCKINLEY’S BENEVOLENT ASSIMILATION PROCLAMATION

THANK YOU!!