Philippine Revolution
By the 1880's many wealthy Filipinos were going to Europe to study. Overseas, in the free atmosphere, a passion for reform grew. Out of this group of overseas Filipino students came the Propaganda Movement. Jose Rizal, an important figure in this movement, returned home in 1892 and formed a reform minded society called the Liga Filipina. This society remained loyal to Spain and wasn't pushing independence. However, the Spanish were over fearful and Jose Rizal was arrested and executed. Among the lower classes of the Philippines many people began to desire independence.
Many people were shocked by the arrest of Rizal and group of activists under the leadership of Andres Bonifacio formed the Katipunan. The Katipunan was dedicated to kicking the Spanish out of the country and gaining independence. They began planning an armed revolt.
By the 1880's many wealthy Filipinos were going to Europe to study. Overseas, in the free atmosphere, a passion for reform grew. Out of this group of overseas Filipino students came the Propaganda Movement. Jose Rizal, an important figure in this movement, returned home in 1892 and formed a reform minded society called the Liga Filipina. This society remained loyal to Spain and wasn't pushing independence. However, the Spanish were over fearful and Jose Rizal was arrested and executed. Among the lower classes of the Philippines many people began to desire independence.
Many people were shocked by the arrest of Rizal and group of activists under the leadership of Andres Bonifacio formed the Katipunan. The Katipunan was dedicated to kicking the Spanish out of the country and gaining independence. They began planning an armed revolt.
In August 1896 the Spanish discovered the plans of the Katipunan and its leaders were forced to act early. In many provinces around Manila revolts and fighting broke out. After months of fighting the strong counter-attacks of the Spanish forced the Philippine Revolution army to retreat to the hills. In December 1897 a truce was made between the Spanish and the Filipinos. Emilio Aguinaldo, considered the first president of the Philippines, was paid a large amount of money by the Spanish and was exiled to Hong Kong.
Spanish-American War
At the same time the Spanish-American war began, starting on April 25 1898. After America's victory in the Battle of Manila Bay in May 1898, Emilio Aguinaldo was able to return from exile in Hong Kong. He rebuilt the rebel forces and confident of America's support he eliminated Spanish control in many towns. On May 24 Emilio Aguinaldo took command of all the Philippine forces and he began a dictatorial government. Independence in the Philippines was declared on June 12 and on June 23 Aguinaldo replaced his dictatorial government with a revolutionary government and made himself president.
At the same time the Spanish-American war began, starting on April 25 1898. After America's victory in the Battle of Manila Bay in May 1898, Emilio Aguinaldo was able to return from exile in Hong Kong. He rebuilt the rebel forces and confident of America's support he eliminated Spanish control in many towns. On May 24 Emilio Aguinaldo took command of all the Philippine forces and he began a dictatorial government. Independence in the Philippines was declared on June 12 and on June 23 Aguinaldo replaced his dictatorial government with a revolutionary government and made himself president.
In August 1898 American soldiers, with he help of the Filipinos, forced the surrender of the Spanish in Manila. However, once the American's had taken the city they would not let the Filipinos enter. Aguinaldo and the Filipinos soon realised that they had been betrayed. On December 10, 1898 the Philippines was officially surrendered from the Spanish to the United States with the signing of the Treaty of Paris.
Issue 1: Philippine-American War
The Filipino leaders did not recognize the power the United States had over the country and the American leaders did not recognize the Filipinos claim to independence. The First Philippine Republic wanted to secure independence from the United States. In February 1899 fighting broke out between the two countries which lead to the second battle of Manila. On June 2, 1899 Filipino revolutionaries officially declared war on America.
Issue 1: Philippine-American War
The Filipino leaders did not recognize the power the United States had over the country and the American leaders did not recognize the Filipinos claim to independence. The First Philippine Republic wanted to secure independence from the United States. In February 1899 fighting broke out between the two countries which lead to the second battle of Manila. On June 2, 1899 Filipino revolutionaries officially declared war on America.
The war greatly effected the Filipinos. There were an estimated 34,000 to 220,000 Filipino casualties as a result of the war with many more people dying from disease and starvation. The U.S. occupation also resulted in the government support being taken away form the Roman Catholic Church as well as the introduction of English as the primary language.
Emilio Aguinaldo was captured in March 1901. He appealed to the Filipinos under his command to stop the fighting and let the United States rule the Philippines.The Philippine-American War lasted 3 years and officially ended on July 4, 1902.
Later in 1935, after being occupied by America for nearly 37 years, the Philippines became a Commonwealth and they began making plans for independence. However, these plans were interrupted by World War 2.
Emilio Aguinaldo was captured in March 1901. He appealed to the Filipinos under his command to stop the fighting and let the United States rule the Philippines.The Philippine-American War lasted 3 years and officially ended on July 4, 1902.
Later in 1935, after being occupied by America for nearly 37 years, the Philippines became a Commonwealth and they began making plans for independence. However, these plans were interrupted by World War 2.
Issue 2: World War 2
In the lead up to World War 2 the Philippines spent nearly one-quarter of its national budget on defense. The Japanese invasion came early in World War 2 on December 8 1941 before the country could fully prepare. The first attack occurred only ten hours after the attack on Pearl Harbour. U.S. aircraft in the Philippines were targeted and severely damaged. The Japanese advance in the Philippines was very quick and by December 25 Manila had been conquered.
Japan occupied the Philippines for over three years. During this time there was a lot of suffering. For example, following the surrender of American and Filipino defenders on Bataan on April 9, 1942 76,000 sick and starving soldiers were forced to march what became known as the Bataan Death March. Over 7,000 - 10,000 died or were murdered along the 128 km march before they reached the prisoner of war camp.
Japan occupied the Philippines for over three years. During this time there was a lot of suffering. For example, following the surrender of American and Filipino defenders on Bataan on April 9, 1942 76,000 sick and starving soldiers were forced to march what became known as the Bataan Death March. Over 7,000 - 10,000 died or were murdered along the 128 km march before they reached the prisoner of war camp.
On October 20, 1944 American General MacArthur returned to the Philippines with a force of 174,000 men. This army cleared the Japanese soldiers from the islands, but not without resistance. Cities such as Manila were reduced to rubble. It estimated that during the war between 500,000 and 1,000,000 Filipinos died. Japan formally surrendered on September 2, 1945. By this time the Philippines had suffered many casualties and lots of damage.
Independence at Last
Independence at Last
Following the surrender of the Japanese and the end of World War 2 the Philippines finally gained independence on July 4, 1946. However, fighting during the last days of the Japanese retreat had almost completely destroyed the capital. The Philippines was in a mess and the economy was in disarray.
Recovery from the war and being occupied by Japan, America and Spain has been slow. The Philippines has certainly come a long way since independence but many people are still left living in poverty.
Recovery from the war and being occupied by Japan, America and Spain has been slow. The Philippines has certainly come a long way since independence but many people are still left living in poverty.