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…
José Rizal in Paris: Exile, Enlightenment, and the Shaping of Filipino Nationalism
José Rizal, the Philippine national hero, lived a life marked by extensive travel, intellectual pursuits, and unwavering dedication to the cause of Filipino reform and eventual nationhood. While his time in Spain is often highlighted due to its role as the center of the colonial power and the base for much of the Propaganda Movement,…
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…
The Philippine Commission: Legislating American Control in the Early Colonial Philippines
Introduction The dawn of the 20th century brought a seismic shift to the Philippine archipelago. Following centuries under Spanish dominion, the islands found themselves under the nascent control of the United States of America after the Spanish-American War. This transition was not seamless; it was marked by conflict, resistance, and the challenging task of establishing…
Criminalizing Patriotism: The Philippine Sedition Law of 1901
The transition from Spanish to American rule in the Philippines was a period marked by conflict, resistance, and fundamental shifts in political control and legal frameworks. As the Philippine-American War raged and the United States sought to establish its sovereignty, one legal instrument stood out as particularly contentious and impactful: the Philippine Sedition Law of…
American Propaganda and the ‘Bandit’ Label: Suppressing Philippine Resistance (1899-1913)
Introduction Understanding the narrative framing of historical conflicts is crucial, especially when examining periods of conquest and resistance. The Philippine-American War (1899-1902) and the subsequent suppression campaigns were one such period where the dominant power, the United States, actively shaped public perception through calculated communication strategies. At the heart of this effort was the use…
Papa Isio and the Religious Resistance in Negros: A Philippine Peasant Uprising
Introduction The narrative of Philippine resistance against colonial powers is rich and multifaceted, extending far beyond the well-known Katipunan-led revolution. Among the most compelling examples of regional dissent is the movement led by Dionisio Seguela, famously known as Papa Isio and the Religious Resistance in Negros. This uprising, primarily centered on the island of Negros…
Filipino Resistance After Aguinaldo: The Fight Against American Rule (1901-1911)
Introduction The narrative of the Philippine-American War often centers on the initial, large-scale conflict and the leadership of Emilio Aguinaldo. His capture in March 1901 is frequently presented as the decisive turning point, signaling the effective end of organized Filipino resistance against American forces. However, this perspective is incomplete and overlooks a crucial decade of…
Philippine History: Life Under American Rule (1901-1911)
The decade between 1901 and 1911 represents a pivotal, often complex, period in Philippine History 1901-1911. Following the dramatic capture of General Emilio Aguinaldo in March 1901, the organized armed resistance against the invading American forces significantly weakened, paving the way for the United States to consolidate its control and transition from military occupation to…