The early years of American rule in the Philippines following the Spanish-American War and the subsequent Philippine-American War were marked by complex dynamics. While the United States established its colonial administration, Filipino leaders and the populace never relinquished their deep-seated desire for independence. Recognizing the shift in power from Madrid to Washington D.C., Filipino nationalists…
American Colonial Period (1901-1946)
Transforming Philippine Ports: American Colonial Development & Impact
Introduction The period of American colonial rule in the Philippines (1898-1946) marked a pivotal era of transformation across various sectors of Philippine society and economy. Among the most profoundly affected were the nation’s ports and shipping infrastructure. Before the arrival of the Americans, the archipelago’s maritime facilities were largely underdeveloped, a legacy of centuries of…
The Thomasites and the Birth of American Public Education in the Philippines
Introduction The dawn of the 20th century marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Philippines, particularly concerning its educational landscape. Following the Spanish-American War and the subsequent American occupation, the United States embarked on a mission to establish a new form of governance and societal structure in the archipelago. Central to this ambitious…
The Rise of Philippine Literature in English Under American Rule
Introduction The arrival of American colonial rule in the Philippines at the turn of the 20th century ushered in an era of profound transformation that reshaped the archipelago’s political, social, and cultural landscape. Among the most significant and enduring changes was the emergence and subsequent flourishing of a completely new literary tradition: Philippine literature written…
The Rise of Philippine Labor Movements Under American Colonial Rule (1898-1946)
Labor movements, broadly defined as the collective efforts of workers to improve their working conditions, wages, and rights, have played a transformative role in shaping modern societies. They represent the organized voice of the working class, advocating for fairer treatment and greater economic justice. In the context of the Philippines, the period of American colonial…
The Rise of Philippine Journalism and Print Media During the American Colonial Period
Introduction The American colonial period in the Philippines (1898-1946) represented a transformative era for the archipelago, not least for the development of its media landscape. Following centuries of Spanish rule characterized by stringent censorship and limited press freedom, the arrival of the Americans, despite the initial brutal conflict of the Philippine-American War, introduced a different…
The Philippine Scouts: Filipinos Serving in the US Army During the American Colonial Era
Introduction The story of the Philippine Scouts is a unique and often overlooked chapter in both Philippine and American military history. Formed at the turn of the 20th century, the Philippine Scouts were a distinct military unit composed primarily of Filipinos serving within the United States Army during the American colonial period in the Philippines (roughly 1898-1946). Their existence…
The Sweet Ascent: Rise of the Philippine Sugar Industry Under American Rule
Introduction The history of the Philippines is intricately linked to its agricultural produce, and few commodities have played as pivotal a role as sugar. For centuries, sugar cultivation was a staple, but its transformation into a global economic powerhouse was dramatically accelerated during the American colonial period, spanning from 1898 to 1946. This era witnessed…
The Leonard Wood Governorship in the Philippines: Conflict Over Executive Authority and the Push for Autonomy (1921-1927)
The period of American colonial rule in the Philippines, spanning from the turn of the 20th century until independence in 1946, was marked by complex dynamics between the colonizer and the colonized. While the stated goal of the United States was to prepare the islands for self-governance, the path was far from smooth. One of…
Putting Benevolent Assimilation into Practice: William H. Taft’s Governorship in the Philippines (1901-1903)
The period following the Spanish-American War marked a dramatic turning point in Philippine history, ushering in a new colonial power: the United States. While the initial phase was dominated by military conflict during the Philippine-American War, a crucial transition occurred with the establishment of a civil government. At the helm of this new administration was…