CHAPTER 6: THE AMERICAN PERIOD

When the Americans came, the Filipinos fought side by side with them against Spain in the hope that their lost freedom will
be regained. Unfortunately, the Americans, whom the Filipinos looked up as their saviors, colonized the country and promised
that they will train the Filipinos for self-government.

Although the American culture was assimilated by the Filipinos the latter continued to work for their independence. Several
laws was passed by the American Congress leading to the proclamation of Philippine Independence.

Lesson 6.1 The Struggle continues

Introduction

Governor-General Primo de Rivera was relieved as governmor of the country, He was succeeded by Gen. Augustin in April
1898. The relations between Spain and the United States were becoming bad. The Cuban revolution had won the sympathy of the
Americans because the latter had big investments in Cuba which they did not want to be destroyed. While Aguinaldo was in
Singapore he was persuaded by Wildman and Pratt to side with the Americans to continue the struggle for independence.
However, the sincerity of the Americans of their promise to Aguinaldo was not attained instead the Americans had the interest of
colonizing the Philippines.

Learning Content

The struggle continues

When Aguinaldo arrived in the Philippines with the purchased arms, he immediately spread the news of his intention to
continue the struggle for independence. On May 21, Aguinaldo issued a proclamation saying that “Everything appears favorable
for attaining independence… urge that we strive to unite our efforts, and let us fire our hearts with the idea of vindicating our
country. Many nations are on our side.

The Siege of Manila

The return of Aguinaldo demoralized the Spaniards. The Filipino rebels besieged Manila, which was then Intramuros and
Walled City. Dewy could not land troops because he had none. All he could do was to prevent Spanish ships from entering or
leaving the bay. On the other hand, Aguinaldo ordered his forces to lay siege to the City in order to starve its Spanish population
and make them helpless. He also ordered that the City’s food and water supply be cut. Then he demanded the surrender of the
Spanish forces inside the City, but Governor Augustin refused to surrender.

The Secret Agreement

Dewey did not besiege Manila. With his force, the American military commanders, among them General Arthur McArthur
believed that they could fight thee Spaniards and make them surrender. Gen. Agustin was relived and succeeded by Gen. Fermin
Jaudenes.

Jaudenes believed the Spanish position was very weak, but he could not surrender without losing face. So he made a secret
agreement with Dewey and Gen. Wesley Merritt whereby both sides would stage a mock battle. Then the Spaniardswould
surrender another point agreed upon was that the Filipino rebels would not be allowed by their american allies to enter the city.
This secret agreement was known only to Jaudenes, Merrit, and Dewey.

The Mock Battle of Manila

Aguinaldo was already suspecting the Americans were not sincere to the agreement with the Filipinos. On August 13, the
American soldiers walked quietly at the Walled City. When firing started, Filipino soldiers advanced. Gen. Merritt ordered Gen
Francis Greene to stop the Filipinos and warned Aguinaldonot to allow his solders to enter otherwise the American soldiers would
be forced to fire at them. Aguinaldo, much against his will, ordered his soldiers to desist from entering the walled City.
Meanwhile firing started. No Americans were killed. Then Dewey and Merritt saw a white flag flattering in the breeze. It was
hauled up by Spanish soldiers at a corner of the walls facing what is now Manila Hotel. Firing ceased. Merritt entered the City as a
victor of a mock battle.

The American Terms

At five o’clock inthe afternoon of August 13, the Spanish governor-general agreed to sign the surrender document. By the
terms of surrender, the Spaniards agreed to surrender, including the Filipino volunteers in the pay of the Spanish Army found
inside the City. On the other hand, the Americans agrred to protect the City, its inhabitants, buildings, and churches. The
following day, Sunday, the document containing these terms were formally signed by the representatives of the United States and
Spain.
Lesson 6.2 The Filipino-American War

Introduction

When the treaty of Paris signed on December 10,1898 many Filipinos, especially the field generals, felt the Americans had
cheated them. They had no intention of leaving the country. On the contrary, their behavior showed they meant to stay and be the
masters, the successors of the Spaniards. This was the beginning of the Filipino disillusionment with the Americans.

Learning Content

A. American Fool Aguinaldo

The American behavior toward their Filipino allies became, in later days, the behavior of conqueror. Some Filipinos said,
they were no longer friends with Americans. But Aguinaldo wanted to give the benefit of the doubt. Later, they demanded that
Aguinaldo withdraw his forces from around the City of Manila. Aguinaldo was now convinced that the Americans had fooled
him.

B. The “Benevolent Assimilation” Proclamation

After the signing of the Treaty of Paris, Pres. McKinley issued the so-called “Benevolent Assimilation” Proclamation. For
the first time, McKinley officially announced the American policy regarding the Philippines. It clearly stated the intention of the
US to exercise her sovereignty over the entire Philippines. This means that the Philippines would be a colony of US. At the same
time the proclamation ordered the American military commanders in the Philippines to extend American sovereignty over the
entire archipelago by force. Gen. Elwell Otis, who succeeded Gen, Merritt, did not publish full text of McKinley’s proclamation
for fear of arousing the anger of the Filipinos. Instead, be changed some words to soften the language of the proclamation so as
not to antagonize the people.

C. Filipino Reaction to the Proclamation

Antonio Luna, editor of La Independencia attacked the proclamation severely and sad that it was a trick to make the Filipinos
quiet. On January 5, Aguinaldo issued a strong worded proclamation saying that my government is disposed to open hostilities if
the American troops attempt to take forcible possessions of the Visayas islands.

D. Attempts to Relax the Tension

Both Otis and Aguinaldo appointed their representatives to relax the tension. Instead of relaxing the tension, the meeting of
two panels heightened the tension. This was because of the Filipino military officers believed that they were not serious in solving
the question of Filipino-American relations.

E. The Shot that started the War

On the night of February 4,1899, the American Private Willlie Grayson shot a Filipino soldier on Balsahan Bridge in San
Juan del Monte. The Filipinos answered with fire and the Filipino-American war was on. Within an hour, all American units were
effectively deployed and mobilized throughout Manila ans the suburbs.

F. The Incident Investigated

Aguinaldo wanting to know how the incident happened ordered an investigation to determine the truth. Subsequent
investigation showed that even as early as February 2 and 3, the Filipino employees in the service of American ships were
dismissed; that in the morning of February 4, between 200 and 300 American soldiers boarded two cascos for Cavite. Later, it was
learned that the soldiers were returned to Manila to rejoin the units. It was also noted during the investigation that the sudden
attack by the Americans in all sectors showed that they had been preparing for the attack on the Filipinos. On the other hand, the
American commander, Otis, did not attempt to make any investigation. Instead, he ordered an all-out attack against the Filipino
troops everywhere.

G. The American Drive to the North

There was a thorough fights between Filipino soldiers with the command of Gen. Arthur McArthur for Americans and Gen.
Luna and Gen. Gregorio del Pilar as commanders of the Filipino soldiers. In the north, they won victories in La Loma, near the
Chinese cemetery but Luna tried to recapture Manila with the inferior arms. Maenwhile, Aguinaldo evacuated Malolos and
transferred the capital to San Isidro, Nueva Ecija. While Lawton continued his march against Cavite. Major Bell and Col.
Stotsenberg was killed by Gen. Gregorio del Pilar. On Decmber 18, Gen. Licero Geronimo, leading the Filipino troops, defeated
the Americans under Gen. Lawton in the battle of San Mateo.
H. The Battle of Bagbag

The capture of Malolos by McArthur led Gen. Luna to retreat farther north. He established his headquarters in Kalumpit for
his defense against Americans. He asked reinforcement from Gen. Tomas Mascardo but he refused. This angered Luna. He
ordered his officers to punish Mascardo. Del Pilar commanded the sector of Bagbag in the absence of Luna. The Americans
swarmed all over the place. When Luna returned to Kalumpit the place was already captured by the Americans. Luna retreated
farther north in Pampanga, made preparations to meet the advancing enemy.

I. The Fall of the Mabini Cabinet

Mabini was the most powerful man outside Aguinaldo. He was president of the Cabinet and as such. He was Prime Minister.
He was also the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Aguinaldo depended on him more because he is an honest and hardworking man. He
never used his position to enrich himself in office. He was poor when he entered the government. He was very poor when he died.

When the Americans tried to win over the Filipinos by promising them freedom and autonomy, Mabini said this was a trick
of the Americans. He wanted independence from the Americans. However, his enemies, like Pedro Paterno, Ambrosio R.
Bautista, Felipe Buenamino, and many wealthy and powerful opposed him. So they persuaded Aguinaldo to remove him from
office. On May 7, Aguinaldo informed Mabini that Paterno was forming a new Cabinet. Mabini knew what it meant. So he sent in
resignation of the entire Cabinet he was heading. He spent his last years in his arm chair writing articles against the Americans.

J. The Assassination of Luna

Gen. Luna was the most brilliant among Filipino military officers. But he had one defect which the members of the Luna
family had in common: short temper. His short temper made many enemies for him. He also used to slap soldiers when their
efficiency did not come up to his standard. When he received a telegram from Kabanatuan saying that he wanted there. Right then,
he proceeded there but when he reached Aguinaldo’s headquarters in Kabanatuan, he did not find the President there. So he was
angry. Then he heard a rifle shot. He rushed downstairs and cursed the soldier. He slapped one of them. Then Captain Kastila
drew his bolo and hack him. Other soldiers booled him, while others shot him. He drew his revolver but he fell outside the
convent and died saying “Cowards, Assassins!”. He died with more than 40 wound in his body and head.

K. The Conquest of the Bisayas

Upon instruction of Otis to invade Iloilo, the Bisayan patriots under the leadership of Gen. Martin Delgado decided to fight.
The Americans landed in force, conquered Cebu. They conducted guerilla warfare under the command of Arcadio Maxilon and
Leandro Fullon.

Meanwhile in Negros many wealthy Negrense sympathized with the Americans. A committee composed of prominent
Negrenses was sent to Manila to ask General Otis arm a battalion to maintain peace and order.

L. The Bates Treaty

The “Bates Treaty” was an agreement between Gen. John Bates representing the US and the Sultan of Sulu signed on August
20,1899. It provided that the “Sovereignty of the US over the whole archipelago of Jolo and its dependence is declared
acknowledge” and that the rights and dignities of his highness the ultan and his datus shall be respected.

M. Aguinaldo Retreats to Palanan

With the defeat of Gen. Luna, many Filipino field commanders became demoralized. Aguinaldo on the other hand seeing the
collapsed of his regular army, ordered his troops and the people to conduct guerilla warfare against the enemy. Together with his
family, he fled to Pangasinan. The Americans followed him and tried to trap him. But they failed, for the people who loved him
warned Aguinaldo about the coming of the Americans. Determined not to be captured, he left his family, Aguinldo and a handful
faithful followers walked to Tierra Virgen,Cagayan. On September 6,1900, he and his men reached Palanan, Isabela. Here, he
established his headquarters.

N. The Battle of Pasong Tirad

When Aguinaldo reached Mt. Province, he ordered Gen. Gregorio del Pilar to leave behind purposely to intercept the
Americans who were running after him. Del Pilar, after the departure of Aguinaldo, chose to delay the enemy at Pasong Tirad.
This was a narrow pass 4500 feet high had a good view of the country around. There was only one trail leading to it. Del Pilar and
his soldiers stayed here.

The American troops under the command of Major March pursued Aguinaldo. In the morning of December 2,1899, March
and his well-armed men proceeded against del Pilar. The Filipino troops guarding the narrow pass hit the Americans to the secret
trail. The Americans slowly and quietly went up the trail and surprised del Pilar and his men. A fierce battle ensued and del Pilar
was killed by a bullet that passed through his neck. The Americans left the body, after three days, the Igorots buried it in a shallow
grave.
O. The Capture of Aguinaldo

With Aguinaldo no longer the effectiveleader, many Filipino military officers were demoralized. The Americans took
advantage of the cooperative attitude of the wealthy Filipinos, but used cruel methods. Example, they used the “water cure” like:
1. Forcing water into the stomach of a Filipino and when it was already filled with water he was made to lie on his back.
Then an American soldier would jump on his stomach.
2. Another form of torture consisted in placing a rope around the neck and then twisting the rope so as to choke the Filipino.
3. Another form was to beat the Filipino until he became blue in the face.

With the help of a Spaniard who joined the Filipino forces against the Americans. Col. Frederick Funston planned the
capture of Aguinaldo. Lazaro Segovia, the Spaniard mentioned, led the Macabebes and pretended to have captured some
American soldiers. They walked to Palanan and informed Aguinaldo, through a courier, that they were bringing in the American
captives. Aguinaldo was happy over the news and made preparations for the soldiers who had captured the enemy. When Segovia
arrived in the house where Aguinaldo was staying, he and his men signaled to their men below the start firing. When Aguinaldo
rushed to see what it was all about, Funston and his men told Aguinaldo to surrender.

Aguinaldo was brought to Manila where, on April 1,1901, he took the oath of allegiance to the government of the United
States. In a proclamationof April 19, he appealed to the Filipino people to accept the “sovereignty of the United States.”

P. The End of Guerilla Warfare

It was only Gen. Miguel Malvar who was left to command Filipino Filipino soldiers who did not yet surrender. The
Americans continued their relentless campaign against the guerillas. On February 27,1902, they captured Vicente Lukban in
Samar. This was the end of the guerilla warfare in that province. Two months later, Malvar surrendered in order to save people
from the brutality of the enemy and from hunger.

Lesson 6.3 American Rule in the Philippines

Introduction

During the 4th sessions of the 67th United States Congress, President William McKinley stated America’s aims regarding the
Philippines. He declared that the Philippines is ours not to exploit, but to develop, civilize, educate, and to train in the science of
self-government. Pres. McKinley explained to the First and Second Philippine Commissions that the United States came to the
Philippines not to conquer it but to work for the benefit and welfare of the Filipinos.

Learning Content

A. American Military Government in the Philippines

A military government was established after the surrender of the Spaniards in 1898. The first military governor appointed
was Gen. Wesley Meritt, then Major Gen. Elwell Otis. The last military governor was Maj. Gen. Arthur McArthur who served
until 1901.

Accomplishment:
1. Reorganized the courts in the Philippines with Cayetano Arellano as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
2. In pacified areas, it organized towns and provincial government with Baliwag as the first town to hold elections on May
6,1899.
3. Public schools was introduced and the first school established was Manila Science High Schools was introduced on June
11,1906.
4. English was taught with the American soldiers as the first English teachers of the Filipinos.

B. The Philippine Commissions

1. The First Philippine Commission. The Commission was headed by Jacob Schurman. Pres. McKinley instructed the
commission to look into the condition of the Philippines and make recommendations as to what form of government to
establish in the Philippines.
2. The second Philippine Commission. The Commission was known as the Taft Commission because it was headed by Judge
William H. Taft. The job was to establish a civil government in the Philippines.
3. American Civil Government in the Philippines. On July 4,1901, the civil government replaced the military government.
Judge William H. Taft was appointed Governor-General. He became very populr to the Filipinos because of his policy
“Filipinos for the Filipinos”
C. The Philippine bill of 1902
The first organic law enacted for the Phil. By the US Congress was the Phil. Bill of 1902 known as the Cooper Act because it
was sponsored by the US Rep. Henry A. Cooper.
1. The Phil. Assembly. The first Phil. Assembly was inaugurated on October 16,1907 at the Manila Grand Opera House.
Elected Speaker was Sergio Osmena and Manuel L. Quezon as Majority Floor Leader. The Gabaldon Act was the first law
enacted by the Phil. Assembly appropriating P1,000,000.00 for the establishment of barrio schools in the country.
The Philippine Commission as the Upper House and the Phil. Assemblyy as the lower House

2. Resident Commissioners - Two Filipino Resident Commissioners to represent the Filipinos in the Congress who could
speak for or against any bill in the Congress affecting the Filipinos but had no right to vote, They were Pablo Ocampo,
Benito Legarda, and Manuel L. Quezon.
3. Rise of the Political Parties. The first political party formed was the Federal Party headed by Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera.
Because this party was pro-American it was changed to ProgressiveParty . The union of Immediate INdependence Party and
the Nationalist Union formed the Nationalista Party.
4. Filipinization of the Government. In line with their objective to train the Filipinos for self-government, the Americans
appointed Filipinos to government positions. Cayetano Arellano was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court,
Florentino Torres, the first Attorney-General; and Gregorio Araneta was named Secretary of Finances and Justices.
5. Jones Law of 1916. It was enacted on August 19,1916. The Preamble states that America’s promise that independence
would be granted to the Philippines “as soon as stable government shall be established therein”.

D. Progress Under American Rule

1. Economic Development
2. Transportation
3. Communication
4. Education
5. Religion
6. The Aglipyan Church
7. Health Conditions
8. Cultural Influences of the Americans

Lesson 6.4: Road to Philippine Independence

Introduction

The movement for Philippine Independence during the American period never became bitter or resulted in a bloody struggle
as experienced during the Spanish period. The American approach as colonizer was different for they accommodated themselves
to the desires of the Filipinos. They permitted the Filipino leaders to articulate their nationalistic sentiments. Filipinos’ appeal for
freedom was won through peaceful constitutional process.

The period from 1919 to 1934 showed the evolution of American policy on recognizing Philippine Independence. Both the
Filipinos and the Americans were given their opportunity to formulate policy as they openly discussed the issue of Philippine
Independence.

Learning Content

A. Early Struggle for Independence

The Nationalistic feelings of the Filipinos could be felt by the Americans through the writings and other literary works of the
Filipino writers.
The Philippines Commission enacted two controversial laws:
1. Sedition Law - prohibited the speaking and writing of Filipinos supporting Philippine independence
2. Flag Law - prohibited the displaying of the Filipino flag

B. Independence Mission

The Filipinos in their campaign for independence mission to Washington to convince the US Congress that the Philippines is
politically stable and therefore ready for independence.
First mission composed of Manuel L. Quezon with 40 members (cabinet officials, business leaders and educators. The
mission failed.
Second Mission was sent in 1922 headed by Quezon and Osmena. The purpose is to counteract the Wood-Forbes Mission.
They reported that the Filipinos were not yet ready for independence.
Third mission was sent in 1923 headed by Manuel A. Roxas. Just like the previous missions, it failed. In 1926, Quezon
counteract the report of Col. Carmi Thomson about his report that the Filipinos were not yet ready for independence.
 To strenghten their campaign for independence, the Philippine Legislature enacted a bill in 1927 calling for a plebiscite on
the independence issue, but the bill was vetoed by Pres. Calvin Coolidge.

C. OSROX Mission

US Senator Harry B. Hares came to the PhilippineS in 1931 to make a survey of the Phil. Condition. On his return to
Washington, he filed a bill granting the independence of the Phil. together with US Congressman Hare.
In January 17, 1933 Senator Osmena and Speaker Roxas passed a bill which became the Hare Hawes Cutting Act. However,
Quezon was against the bill. But Osmena and Roxas claimed that the best independence law that the Filipinos could obtain from
US.
On October 17,1933, the HH Cutting Act was rejected by the Phil. Legislature. Quezon left for US and worked out for
another independence bill that sponsored by Millard Tydings and Rep. John McDuffie which was signed by Pres. Franklin
Roosevelt.

Tydings McDuffie Act. The Tydings McDuffie Act entitled “An Act to Provide for the Complete Independence of the
Philippine Islands to provide for the Adoption of a Constitution and a Form of Government for the Phil. Islands.” As provided by
the Act, a Commonwealth government was established in the Phil. That will govern the country for a transition period of ten years
which , the US would recognize the Phil. Independence on July 4,1946.

D. The Commonwealth Government of the Philippines

1. Constitutional Convention - In accordance to the provion of the Tydings McDuffie Act, a constitutional convention was
called to frame the constitution for the Philippine Commonwealth. Elected president was Claro M. Recto. A sub-committee
was organized called the “seven wise men” prepared a draft of the constitution. The final draft of the constitution was
approved by the constitutional convention by a vote of 177 to 1. The constitution was formally signed on February 19,1935
and later transmitted to Pres. Roosevelt who signed on March 23,1935. The Filipinos ratified it in a plebiscite on May 14,
1935.
2. The Philippine Constitution of 1935 - Under the 1935 constitution, the Phil. Form of government established was
republican in form. It was divided into three co-equal branches - executive, legislative, and judicial.
3. Commonwealth Government of the Philippines - After the Constitution was ratified by the Filipinps and approved by Pres.
Roosevelt, the first elections were held. Manuel L. Quezon- President; Sergio Osmenia- V-Pres. The commonwealth govt.
was inaugurated on Nov. 15,1935. The newly elected President, V-President and members of the National Assembly were
sworn into office by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Ramon Avancena. This marked the transfer of power fronm the
Americans to the Filipinos.

Political Changes Under the Commonwealth

Cultural and Social Changes

Economy during the Commonwealth