1. American Imperialism in the Philippines

2. The U.S. became involved in the Philippines almost by accident. In the ‘yellow journalism’ and ‘Remember the Maine’ rush to get the Spanish out of Cuba, the U.S. launched a naval attack against the Spanish fleet in the Philippines After destroying the Spanish fleet, American soldiers landed in the Philippines

3. Americans and Filipinos Fighting Together Filipinos, who had been fighting the Spanish for years, saw an opportunity after the defeat of the Spanish navy Led by a freedom fighter named Aguinaldo (who was living in exile and was actually returned to the Philippines by the U.S. navy) the Filipinos attacked the Spanish imperial government The U.S., eager to continue its defeat of Spain, joined the freedom fighters and kicked Spain out

4. After the Spanish? Spain surrendered to America (Treaty of Paris) McKinley faced a choice- what to do with the Philippines? –Give them back to Spain? Yuck! –Leave them alone? But they have no government! –Hmmm…

6. Whispers in McKinley’s Ears “Think of the $ to be made from a trading base in Asia,” whispered the businessmen. “Think of the advantage as a military outpost,” whispered the military. “Think of your chance to civilize and uplift this poor race,” whispered the religious leaders, white supremacists, and advocates of spreading democracy.

8. “I’ll Take It,” Says McKinley!

9. Aguinaldo Felt Betrayed Said that the U.S. had promised freedom for the Philippines He rose up against the U.S. military in the Philippines A brutal war resulted –The U.S. placed Filipinos in concentration camps to defeat guerrilla forces –20,000 Filipinos died –War cost U.S. $400 million –U.S. eventually won

10. Many of the American Soldiers Sent to fight in the Philippines were black Do we see the irony here? Some black soldiers were so offended that they defected to the Filipino cause and fought against America