The American Annexation of the Philippines

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The American Annexation of the Philippines
The annexation of Philippines occurred in 1899 after a bloody war between Spain and the Philippines. The Philippines was rich and had plenty of resources that were in great demand from both Spain and the United States. The United States wanted to expand their business empire regarding investments. The Philippines was fighting the Spain at the time. President William McKinley, a Republican, was not ready to let the Philippines fall into the hands of the Spanish, as that could be a sign of cowardice. Furthermore, letting the Philippines fall into the hands of the French or the Germany would not be good for business because they were the commercial rivals of the U.S in the East. Thirdly, the president cited that Filipinos were not ready for self-governance, and without annexation, they would fall into anarchy. Lastly, the president pointed out that the aim of taking the Filipinos was to educate, civilize and make them Christians.
Annexation of the Philippines was against the beliefs that America stood for at the time. William Jennings Bryan solemnly condemned this act. He condemned the U.S for manifesting imperialism despite making losses, showing its weakness and causing humiliation during the annexation. He condemned the act of the government of wanting to own the Filipinos as subjects to trade with them. He said that annexing the Philippines would only bring racial problems that the U.S suffered.
Senator Alfred Beveridge of R.

Indiana said that China was a natural customer of the United States, but France, Germany and England had formed permanent bases near China. The Philippines is the country that gave them the base to the East. He said that Filipinos were barbaric, and the United States had a right to civilize them.
The colored citizens of Boston wanted to protest against the invasion of the American soldiers in the Philippines. Violations of the rights of the colored persons of Boston were rampant despite the amendment of the constitution of the United States. The widespread lynching of the Negroes was alarming. Besides, they were not given a civilized and fair trial. There were against the invasion of Philippines to shoot and kill the Filipinos while there were violations of their basic rights. They wanted own protection from their president.
Emilio Aguinaldo, who was the president of the Independent Philippines Republic, published sufferings of the Philippines Army at the time the United States forces occupied the Philippines. He emphasized the misery of the people of Manila despite useless meeting and conferences between the U.S and the Philippines. The president tried as much as he could to avoid armed conflict with the United States despite the transgression of liberty and justice witnessed in his country. However, his efforts were in vain, as the U.S invaded the Philippines and began the war.
Clemencia Lopez was an activist who struggled for independence in the Philippines. Clemencia Lopez argued that the Filipinos were civilized long ago before the arrival of the Spanish. According to Lopez, there was gender equality and civilization then. Clemencia Lopez reiterated that they had a task to fight for liberty for their country, one that the U.S had denied them.
In conclusion, the United States intended to expand its business interests in the Philippines. The United States did not want to lose the Philippines to the Spanish despite going against its traditions. Their move caused many conflicts as violations of human rights surfaced. Later, they bow down as the Philippines fought and gained their independence.

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