Question

Why did President McKinley want the Philippines?


To liberate them from Spanish control

(spread democracy and freedom)


To gain new markets in China

(500 million people to buy American goods)


To build himself a private Caribbean island

Answer 1

Mainly the first two reasons. McKinley publicly framed keeping the Philippines as “liberation” and a civilizing/tutelage mission (the “benevolent assimilation” idea — spreading Christianity, education, and what he called democracy). He also and importantly saw the islands as strategic and economic: a naval/coaling base and a gateway to Asian markets (especially China).

The third option — that he wanted a private Caribbean island — is false.