William Jennings Bryan was expressing the idea that if the United States pursued a colonial rule over the Philippines, it would be counterproductive to educate the Filipino people. He believed that education would empower them to challenge and resist colonial authority, particularly if they understood the concepts of freedom and democracy outlined in foundational U.S. documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Bryan warned that educating the Filipinos could lead them to recognize and criticize the hypocrisy of being governed without their consent. This sentiment is relevant today in discussions about global intervention and aid. For example, in modern contexts like foreign aid to struggling nations or military interventions, a lack of genuine democratic engagement can lead to resentment. When outside powers impose their will without fostering local empowerment and education, they run the risk of creating discontent and resistance, much like Bryan warned.
For this next question read this quote from William Jennings Bryan:
"Some argue that American rule in the Philippine Islands will result in the better education of the Filipinos. Be not deceived. If we expect to maintain a colonial policy, we shall not find it to our advantage to educate the people. The educated Filipinos are now in revolt against us. . . . If we are to govern them without their consent and give them no voice in determining the taxes which they must pay, we dare not educate them, lest they learn to read the Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States and mock us for our inconsistency."
In a paragraph and in your own words, what do you think William Jennings Bryan was trying to say? What modern day examples can you think of that this quote is also relevant for? Refer to the quote in your answer.
(5 points)
1 answer