1. Why were Filipino fighters willing to ally themselves with Admiral Dewey and the United States? Why did they eventually feel betrayed by the United States?

Answer 1

Filipino fighters initially allied themselves with Admiral George Dewey and the United States during the Spanish-American War for several reasons:

1. Shared Goal of Independence: Many Filipinos sought independence from Spanish colonial rule. They saw the United States as a potential ally that could help them achieve this goal. The U.S. defeat of the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay in May 1898 was viewed by Filipino revolutionaries as an opportunity to overthrow their colonial oppressors.

2. Promise of Support: The leaders of the Philippine Revolution, particularly Emilio Aguinaldo, believed that the U.S. would support their aspirations for self-determination and independence. Aguinaldo, who had been exiled to the U.S., returned to the Philippines in 1898 with the expectation that American support would solidify the revolution against Spain.

3. Perception of American Ideals: Many Filipinos admired American democratic ideals and viewed the U.S. as a country that had successfully fought for its independence and could sympathize with their own struggle against a colonial power.

However, as the situation evolved, many Filipinos felt betrayed by the United States for a number of reasons:

1. Treaty of Paris (1898): Following Spain's defeat, the Treaty of Paris was signed in December 1898, which ceded the Philippines to the United States for $20 million. This treaty was negotiated without Filipino representation, leading many to feel that their aspirations for independence were ignored.

2. American Colonial Rule: Instead of granting independence, the United States decided to establish control over the Philippines, viewing it as a strategic acquisition and a vital part of a broader imperial vision. The subsequent American military occupation was met with resistance from Filipino revolutionaries, leading to the Philippine-American War.

3. Unfulfilled Promises: Filipino leaders and citizens were disillusioned by the way American officials often referred to them as "unfit for self-government." This perception that the United States intended to govern the Philippines rather than support its independence further fueled feelings of betrayal.

4. Conflict and War: The Philippine-American War (1899-1902) erupted as a result of the clash of interests, with Filipinos fighting for independence while the U.S. pursued control of the archipelago. The brutal conflict caused significant suffering and disillusionment, solidifying the sense of betrayal among the Filipino population.

In summary, while the initial alliance with the United States was driven by a common goal of liberation from Spanish rule, the subsequent actions of the U.S. led to feelings of betrayal as Filipinos realized that their desire for independence was not being honored.