The United States has declared war on Spain in 1898.

As a result of this, the Spain has been forced

to give up the Philippine Islands in exchange for $20,000,000 in what is called the Treaty of Paris. The
Americans have colonized the Philippines ever since this Treaty has been signed on the 10th of December,
1898. In this period of colonization, they have made a huge impact in the culture, education, way of
government, trade, industry, and even the Constitution of the Filipinos.

The Americans have made one of the biggest impact in the Filipinos’ religious freedom. During
Spain’s 333 years of rule in the Philippines, Catholicism was mandatory, and punishments were waiting
for those who would not conform to this religion. There was only Catholicism during this said rule, but the
Americans changed this. The Filipinos were given the freedom to choose any religion that they would
want, without any punishments or harsh consequences. One of the many religions that blossomed during
the American colonization was Protestant Christianism. Until today, religions that originated and brought
upon by Americans still live on and all take part in the Philippines’ religious diversity.

Language was heavily influenced by the Americans. Up to the current time, this influence can still
be observed. During their period of colonization, English began to be taught in schools and for a long time,
it was believed that English was the “superior” language. This is because the Filipinos perceived that you
are educated when you speak in English. The Filipinos’ education became majorly shaped by English that
even now, this language is still believed to be a basis of one’s intelligence. “Taglish” or “Tagalog-English,”
an informal language wherein both Tagalog and English are mixed, also became a thing. As a matter of
fact, in our present time, it is one of the most spoken, even though it is not a legitimate language.

The Americans also made an impact in the Filipino culture. They introduced new food like
hamburgers, sandwiches, oatmeals, ice cream, and many more. Furthermore, they also made belts,
suspenders, polo shirts, and bonnets popular. Transportations have also been improved with the
introduction of the “jeepney,” which has become a cultural icon over the years.

Amongst all these impacts, though, it is undoubtable that America’s rule has made great
achievement in the Philippines in many aspects. These are education, trade and industry, and
government.

America’s greatest achievement in terms of education is probably the free education that they
have brought to the Philippines. The Americans were the ones who introduced the idea of free education.
A large group of teachers called “Thomasites” (named after the boat that they came on, “Thomas”) did
the lectures. After such a long period of Spanish colonization, this free education was basically heaven-
sent; a helping hand to pull the Filipinos up.

In terms of trade and industry, the Americans gave a big help in the increase of agricultural
production. The Philippine economy improved, and there were an influx of new industries which have
been developed. Trade with other countries have also been upgraded. Trade and industry during this time
were successful.

In terms of government, the Americans introduced “democracy” to the Filipinos. It was their very
first taste of something close to ‘freedom.’ The Filipinos have been taught to run the government by their
own. Moreover, the three government branches were also introduced, namely: 1) Executive; 2)
Legislative; and 3) Judiciary. These branches all function differently.
 All in all, just like all of the other countries that colonized the Philippines, the Americans have
created huge impacts in many factors in the Philippines. Even though it was already done, however, their
legacy still lives on, even the good and the bad.