10 Lesser-Known Facts About America’s Rule in the Philippines

Swift Summary

• When the U.S.took control of the Philippines in 1898, it suppressed Filipino independence efforts but later worked to improve conditions through infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
• William Taft began civilian governance in the Philippines,creating a constitution and public institutions while resisting immediate independence.
• American educators called “Thomasites” introduced English and american cultural values to Filipinos through a public school system.
• The Filipinos were never granted statehood due to cultural differences, racial biases, geographic challenges, and economic interests in the U.S.
• The Moro Rebellion persisted after 1902 until being quashed in 1913 amidst heavy casualties for both sides.
• Progress toward Philippine self-governance included the establishment of assemblies and eventual autonomy by 1935 under Manuel Quezon’s leadership as Commonwealth President.
• Urban planner Daniel Burnham proposed ambitious designs for Manila and Baguio with limited long-term implementation due to WWII destruction.
• In pre-WWII years (1937-1938), President Quezon opened doors for Jewish refugees escaping Nazi persecution despite immigration quotas elsewhere like america itself.
• Gen. Douglas MacArthur held strong ties with Filipinos; he ensured liberation efforts during WWII recognizing America’s moral obligation over unessential Taiwan strategic Plan options otherwise proposed influence earlier vetoed thru Roosevelt persuasion stating allegiance owed native promises dated initial arrival youth Major monsoonal retrospective dating forgive allocations artillery destruction scenes obedient revered [10]