Will the United States recognize the Philippines? The Phony War
of Manila Treaty of Paris Felipe Agoncillo Benevolent Assimilation
San Juan Bridge Incident Declaration of War
The Fall of Malolos Battle of Zapote Bridge Fall of Visayas Fall
of the Mabini Cabinet The Assassination of Luna Battle of Tirad
Pass Battles of the Philippine-American War Battle of Paye Howling
Wilderness Aftermath of Aguinaldos Capture
Balangiga Massacre
The Capture of Aguinaldo Philippine-American War in Picture
American Atrocities
According
to Commander Edward P. Wood, Captain of USS Petrel "The United
States is a great and rich nation and needs no colonies."
"That
the United States would at least recognize the Independence of
the Philippines under the protection of the United States Navy. The
Consul added that there was no necessity for entering into a formal
written agreement because the word of the Admiral and of the United
States Consul were in fact equivalent to the most solemn pledge
that their verbal promises and assurance would be fulfilled to the
letter and were not to be classed with Spanish promises or Spanish
ideas of a mans word of honour."
He warned Pratt on negotiating with Aguinaldo without his
authorization.The United States, in entering upon the occupation of
the islands, as the result of its military operations in that
quarter, will do so in the exercise of the rights which the state
of war confers, and will expect from the inhabitants, without
regard to their former attitude toward the Spanish Government, that
obedience which will be lawfully due from them. If, in the course
of your conferences with General Aguinaldo, you acted upon the
assumption that this Government would co-operate with him for the
furtherance of any plan of his own, or that, in accepting his
cooperation, it would consider itself pledged to recognize any
political claims which he may put forward, your action was
unauthorized and can not be approved.
According
to Agoncillo, this battle between the Spanish and American
troops was staged. This was to save the prestige and dignity of
Spain as part of a negotiation with the United States. Also, Spain
refuses to surrender to Aguinaldo. Wesley Merritt, Commander of the
VIII Corps, did not allow Filipino revolutionaries to partake in
this battle.
Wesley MerrittCommander of the VIII Corps First Military
Governor of the Philippines
Signed
on Dec. 10, 1898 between Spain and the United States. Regarding
the Philippine question, both parties have different opinions on
the matter. For Spain Mindanao and Sulu William R. Day the ports of
Manila For others Luzon only
William
McKinley refused the initial provisions for the Philippines. He
recommended that its either the entire Philippines or nothing for
this treaty.
Both
parties will recognize the Independence of Cuba. Spain will
secede Puerto Rico and her remaining colonies in the Americas, her
Pacific territories such as Guam and the Marianas Islands. The
Philippines will also be seceded for an amount of $20,000,000.
Article III. Spain cedes to the United States the archipelago
known as the Philippine Islands, and comprehending the islands
lying within the following line: A line running from west to east
along or near the twentieth parallel of north latitude, and through
the middle of the navigable channel of Bachi, from the one hundred
and eighteenth (118th) to the one hundred and twenty-seventh
(127th) degree meridian of longitude east of Greenwich, thence
along the one hundred and twenty seventh (127th) degree meridian of
longitude east of Greenwich to the parallel of four degrees and
forty five minutes (4 45']) north latitude, thence along the
parallel of four degrees and forty five minutes (4 45') north
latitude to its intersection with the meridian of longitude one
hundred and nineteen degrees and thirty five minutes (119 35') east
of Greenwich, thence along the meridian of longitude one hundred
and nineteen degrees and thirty five minutes (119 35') east of
Greenwich to the parallel of latitude seven degrees and forty
minutes (7 40') north, thence along the parallel of latitude of
seven degrees and forty minutes (7 40') north to its intersection
with the one hundred and sixteenth (116th) degree meridian of
longitude east of Greenwich, thence by a direct line to the
intersection of the tenth (10th) degree parallel of north latitude
with the one hundred and eighteenth (118th) degree meridian of
longitude east of Greenwich, and thence along the one hundred and
eighteenth (118th) degree meridian of longitude east of Greenwich
to the point of beginning. The United States will pay to Spain the
sum of twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) within three months
after the exchange of the ratifications of the present treaty.
Article VIII. In conformity with the provisions of Articles I,
II, and III of this treaty, Spain relinquishes in Cuba, and cedes
in Porto Rico and other islands in the West Indies, in the island
of Guam, and in the Philippine Archipelago, all the buildings,
wharves, barracks, forts, structures, public highways and other
immovable property which, in conformity with law, belong to the
public domain, and as such belong to the Crown of Spain.
William McKinley25th President of the United States 1897 -
1901
William R. DaySecretary of State McKinley Administration
Jennings Bryan, a leading Democrat, opposed this treaty on the
basis that it will lead to American imperialism. Many Americans
also opposed this treaty on different reasons such as race,
commerce, ideology etc. This led to the formation of the
AntiImperialist League which opposed making the Philippines a
colony of the United States. William
William Jennings BryanDemocrat Candidate
Columbias Easter BonnetPuck Magazine
The Philippine Revolutionary Government commissioned Felipe
Agoncillo as Minister Plenipotentiary to negotiate treaties with
foreign governments. His mission was to lobby foreign entities that
Filipinos are well civilized people and capable of maintaining
stable government and to secure recognition of Philippine
independence. Both McKinley and Day refused to receive him but
admired his diplomatic skills.
Agoncillo
proceeded to Paris to present the Philippine cause in the Treaty
of Paris. Agoncillo tried to submit a memorandum but again failed.
The people behind the meeting did not want to have any official
dealings with him. Agoncillo now warned Aguinaldo that the
Americans might betray them and advice him to prepare for a
possible war.
A
speech made by President McKinley on what to do with the
Philippines. In his speech, at first he does not really want to
take the Philippines. But in a dream, God told him to take the
Philippines to civilize and to Christianize the inhabitants.
Elwell Otis received a copy of this and decided to edit it so it
will not sound as if the United States really wants to colonize the
Philippines. But an original copy was read in Iloilo and many
Filipinos got furious. Aguinaldo gave his counter-speech on Jan. 5,
1899 and accused the United States of colonization. For Otis, this
could be a provocation of war. General
Finally, it should be the earnest wish and paramount aim of the
military administration to win the confidence, respect, and
affection of the inhabitants of the Philippines by assuring them in
every possible way that full measure of individual rights and
liberties which is the heritage of free peoples, and by proving to
them that the mission of the United States is one of BENEVOLENT
ASSIMILATION substituting the mild sway of justice and right for
arbitrary rule. In the fulfillment of this high mission, supporting
the temperate administration of affairs for the greatest good of
the governed, there must be sedulously maintained the strong arm of
authority, to repress disturbance and to overcome all obstacles to
the bestowal of the blessings of good and stable government upon
the people of the Philippine Islands under the free flag of the
United States. -William McKinley
Feb. 4,
1899
Pri. Willie W. Grayson and some Filipino
soldiers exchanged fire on the bridge. It might be due to
miscommunication or language barrier. Feb. 5, 1899 The American
troops,
led by Gen. Arthur McArthur, came as reinforcement. The was a
preliminary investigation but the event started the hostilities
between the Philippines and the United States.
June
2, 1899
As negotiations deteriorated, Aguinaldo asked
Pedro Paterno, the Prime Minister, to draft a declaration of war
against the United States. Aguinaldo also asked Gen. Antonio Luna
to mobilized his troops to recapture Manila.
Aguinaldo
made Malolos the capital of the republic since it is safe
against attacks. March 30, 1899 The Americans attacked Malolos.
Aguinaldo and Luna ordered a scorched earth
tactic burning all vital installations in Malolos including the
Barasoain Church. Aguinaldo retreated to San Isidro, Nueva Ecija
and made it a capital.
Capturing of Malolos
June
13, 1899
Happened along Zapote River between Las Pias
and Bacoor, Cavite. It was the second largest battle of the war.
Despite the number of Filipino troops, they were outgunned by the
Americans. The Filipinos retreated but their bravery earned the
respect of Gen. Henry Ware Lawton. The New York Times reported that
the Filipino Army was "the largest and best organized body of men
which had yet met American troops."
Battle of Zapote Bridge
Feb. 20,
1899fell in the hands of the
Iloilo
province Americans.
Feb. 22,
1899
Cebu also fell but the Americans had a hard time
capturing the city. This was due to the guerrilla tactics of
Arcadio Maxilom and Leandro Fullon.
April 15, 1899 Apolinario Mabini, the executive secretary of
Aguinaldo,
issued a manifesto stating the continuation of war instead of
surrendering to the United States.
May 5, 1899 The Schurman Commission was approved by Secretary
of
State John Hay. While Mabini rejected the commission, Paterno
and Felipe Buencamino approved the commission.
May 7, 1899 Upon the instigation of Paterno and Buencamino,
Mabini
was removed as executive secretary. Paterno now became the new
executive secretary while Mabini accepted the change of
leadership.
Felipe Buencamino
While
Antonio Luna was a brilliant military leader, many hated him for
many reasons: He was abrasive and hot-tempered. He has a strict
military discipline imposed on erring
soldiers. He lost many crucial battle against the Americans. His
rivalry with Tomas Mascardo over a woman. He utterly rejected
Paterno and Buencaminos proposal to surrender.
June 5, 1899 Luna received a letter from Aguinaldo for a
meeting
in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija. Upon arriving, it was Buencamino who
greeted him. Both men are bitter enemies. A gunshot was fired
during their argument prompting Luna to investigate. When Luna
appeared, the soldiers ambushed him. Luna, while dying, cursed them
and called them cowards and traitors. The Americans were dismayed
at his death as they admire his military brilliance. One American
commented that the Filipinos killed their only general.
Antonio Lunas Assassination Site Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija
Dec. 2, 1899 Gen. Gregorio Del Pilar was tasked to defend Tirad
Pass
against the pursuing Americans. They have a vantage point by
setting their post above the pass. But a Tinggian, Januario Galut,
assisted the Americans by bringing them on the rear part of Del
Pilars post. Many Filipino soldiers, including Del Pilar, will be
killed but it gave Aguinaldo a chance to move further north. The
Americans stripped Del Pilar of his clothing as war trophies. Lt.
Dennis Quilan, an American soldier, buried Del Pilar two days after
the battle. He left an epitaph on his grave.
Gen. Gregorio del Pilar, Died December 2, 1899, Commanding
Aguinaldo's Rear Guard, An Officer and a Gentleman.
The General has given me the pick of all the men that can be
spared and ordered me to defend the Pass. I realize what a terrible
task has been given me. And yet I feel that this is the most
glorious moment of my life. What I do is done for my beloved
country. No sacrifice can be too great. - Gregorio Del Pilar
Battle Battle of Manila (February 45, 1899) Battle of Santa Cruz
(April 9 10, 1899) Battle of Pagsanjan (April 11, 1899) Battle of
Paete (April 12, 1899) Battle of Quingua (April 23, 1899) Battle of
San Jacinto (November 11, 1899)
Filipino Victory
American Victory
(1st phase)
(2nd phase) Colonel John M. Stotsenburg was killed.
Battle Siege of Catubig (April 15, 1900) Battle of Makahambus
Hill (June 4, 1900) Battle of Pulang Lupa (September 13, 1900)
Battle of Mabitac (September 17, 1900) Battle of Lonoy Lonoy
Massacre (March 1901) Battle of Dolores River (December 12,
1904)
Filipino Victory Many Filipinos died.
American Victory
A shocking defeat for the Americans. The Filipinos were betrayed
by a proAmerican native. Lieutenant Hayt was killed.
Dec. 12,
1899
Happened in San Mateo, Morong (Rizal). Gen. Licerio Geronimo led
the Filipinos against
Gen. Lawtons troops. Gen. Geronimo had a team of sharpshooters
called Tirador de Muerte (Marksman of Death). During the battle,
Gen. Lawton ignored the warnings about the sharpshooters as he
rallies his troops. He was killed by a tirador making him the
highest ranking American officer to be killed during the war.
Death of General Lawton San Mateo, Morong
"Taking into account the disadvantages they have to fight
against in terms of arms, equipment and military discipline,
without artillery, short of ammunition, powder inferior, shells
reloaded until they are defective, they are the bravest men I have
ever seen... - Henry W. Lawton
Sept. 28,
1901 More than forty American soldiers were killed in a surprise
guerrilla attack in the town of Balangiga, Samar. It was one of the
worst American defeats during the war.
In
retaliation, the Americans killed 2000 3000 Filipinos in Samar.
Many of them were civilians, including women and children. Gen.
Jacob H. Smith had ordered the killing of everyone ten years old
and over. Major Littleton Waller was horrified with this order and
largely ignored these illegal orders.
Many
of Gen. Smiths subordinates were also horrified and decided to
restrain themselves. It prevented a complete reign of terror in
Samar. Gen. Smith was court-martial but was not punished. He did,
however, retired early because of the incident. After razing Samar,
the Americans took the bells of Balangiga as war trophies.
"I want no prisoners. I wish you to kill and burn, the more you
kill and burn the better it will please me. I want all persons
killed who are capable of bearing arms in actual hostilities
against the United States. General Jacob H. Smith said. Since it
was a popular belief among the Americans serving in the Philippines
that native males were born with bolos in their hands, Major
Littleton "Tony" Waller asked "I would like to know the limit of
age to respect, sir?." "Ten years," Smith said. "Persons of ten
years and older are those designated as being capable of bearing
arms?" "Yes." Smith confirmed his instructions a second time.
Kill Every One Over Ten!
The Bells of Balangiga United States and Korea
Gen. Jacob Smith
Major Littleton Waller
Balangiga Massacre Shrine
Balangiga Massacre Marker Balangiga, Samar
Balangiga Church
March 23, 1901 Aguinaldo sought refuge at Palanan, Isabela.
General Frederick Funston was able to intercepted the
messenger of Aguinaldo. The messenger gave the information
Funston wants. Funston enlisted the Macabebe Mercenaries to capture
Aguinaldo. They were able to infiltrate Aguinaldos camp and finally
captured Aguinaldo. Aguinaldo was transported by USS Vicksburg to
Manila.
April 1, 1901 Aguinaldo surrendered the Philippines and swore
loyalty
to the United States.
The Capture of Aguinaldo Palanan, Isabela
Aguinaldo on USS Vicksburg
When the news of Aguinaldos capture became widespread, many
generals and officers surrendered and swore loyalty to the United
States as well. Only Artemio Ricarte did not surrender nor swore
loyalty. He went into exile in Japan. April 16, 1902
Miguel Malvar became the last general to surrender.
1903 Simeon Ola of Bicol was the last officer to surrender.
Sept. 13, 1907 Macario Sakay was executed despite the promise
of
amnesty.
March 1906 A counter insurgency action fought by the United
States Army against Muslims in Mindanao during the Moro
Rebellion phase of the Philippine-American War. 790 men and
officers, under the command of Colonel J.W. Duncan, assaulted the
volcanic crater of Bud Dajo, which was populated by 800 to 1000
Muslim villagers, including women and children. It was the
bloodiest of any engagement of the Moro Rebellion, with only six of
the hundreds of Moro coming out of the battle alive.
Aftermath of the Battle of Bud Dajo
Battle of Manila
Battle of Tondo
Jaro, Iloilo after the siege
Filipino Soldiers in the trench
Dead Filipino Soldiers being buried near Pasig River
Filipino soldiers being buried in a mass grave.
Private Willie Grayson
There
are numerous reports of atrocities committed by American
soldiers against the Filipinos. According to historians, about 1.4
million Filipinos died due to war, starvation, and other related
violence. Men were rounded up for questioning, tortured and
summarily executed. Many Filipinos were also rounded up in
interment camps. these camps were overcrowded and filled with
disease, causing the death rate to be extremely high.
American
soldiers also attacked countryside by using scorched earth
policy where entire villages were burned and destroyed. The
Americans also use the infamous water cure torture against
Filipinos. Many anti-imperialist Americans will blame Gen. Otis and
the U.S. military by using letters written by American soldiers
about the horrors and atrocities in the Philippines.
Water Cure Torture Life Magazine
American Soldiers doing the water cure torture
Filipino Prisoners during the Philippine American War
Execution in Caloocan
