The arrival of the United States in the Philippines at the turn of the 20th century marked a dramatic shift in the archipelago’s history. Following the Spanish-American War and the subsequent Philippine-American War, the U.S. found itself the unexpected colonial power. Unlike previous foreign rulers, the Americans came with a distinct political ideology rooted in…
US Civil Administration
The American Assembly vs. Echoes of Barangay Councils: Contrasting Political Models Shaping the Philippines
The history of a nation is often told through the lens of its political evolution. For the Philippines, this story is particularly complex, marked by indigenous structures, colonial impositions, and the gradual forging of a unique national identity. Two distinct political models stand out when examining this journey: the American Assembly, introduced during the period…
Political Resistance: How Filipinos Challenged American Rule in the Philippines
When we think about resistance to foreign rule, images of brave fighters in jungles or revolutionaries storming cities often come to mind. This was certainly true during the early years of American occupation in the Philippines, with the Philippine-American War being a fierce armed conflict. However, after the main fighting ended, Filipino leaders and the…
Philippine Tactics Against American Authority: From Revolution to Politics
The history of the Philippines is a story of resilience, resistance, and adaptation. For centuries, Filipinos faced colonial rule, first under Spain and then, starting in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, under the United States. The initial response to American presence was fierce armed resistance, marked by the Philippine-American War. However, as the…
Lope K. Santos: Championing Filipino Language and Identity During American Rule
The early 20th century in the Philippines was a time of profound transformation. The end of Spanish rule and the dawn of American occupation ushered in a new era, bringing with it not only political and economic changes but also a significant shift in the cultural landscape. Among the most impactful changes was the introduction…
Ilustrados in American Colonial Philippines: Collaboration, Compromise, and Their Enduring Legacy
The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a transformative period in Philippine history. As the Spanish colonial era waned and the American presence began to solidify, a distinct group of Filipinos, known as the Ilustrados (meaning “enlightened ones”), rose to prominence. These were the educated elite, many of whom had studied in Europe, absorbing liberal and…
Healing Hands and Political Control: American Public Health in the Philippines
When the United States took control of the Philippines after the Spanish-American War in 1898, the situation was complex and unstable. The Philippine Revolution against Spain had quickly turned into the Philippine-American War, a brutal conflict as Filipinos fought for their independence against their new colonizers. Establishing control was not just a military challenge; it…
Fernando Amorsolo: Painting the Philippine Landscape and Life Under American Rule
Fernando Amorsolo is a name synonymous with Philippine art. Known as the “Grand Old Man of Philippine Art,” he was the very first person to be recognized as a National Artist of the Philippines. His paintings, filled with light, vibrant colors, and serene scenes of rural life, have become iconic images of the Filipino spirit….
Federalista vs. Nacionalista: Two Paths to Philippine Independence
After the smoke cleared from the Philippine-American War, the islands faced a new reality: American rule. The fight for independence had not ended, but the methods and goals began to shift dramatically. In the early years of the American Colonial Period, two main political parties emerged, representing fundamentally different ideas about the Philippines’ future under…
Economic and Political Power in the Philippines Under US Rule: A Historical Analysis
The period of American rule in the Philippines (roughly 1898-1946) was a time of immense change. Following centuries under Spanish control, the islands transitioned to a new colonial master after the Spanish-American War. While the United States often presented its presence as a benevolent mission to prepare Filipinos for self-governance, the reality was a complex…