The Spanish-American war which started in

Cuba, changed the history of the Philippines. On

May 1, 1898, the Americans led by U.S.Navy
Admiral George Dewey, in participation of Emilio
Aguinaldo, attacked the Spanish Navy in Manila
Bay. Faced with defeat, the Philippines was ceded
to the United States by Spain in 1898 after a
payment of US$ 20 million to Spain in accordance
with the "Treaty of Paris" ending the Spanish-
American War.

* On June 12, 1898, Filipinos led by Emilio Aguinaldo
declared independence.

In the year 1899, Aguinaldo led a new revolt, this time
against U.S. rule.
--Philippine -American War

*The revolution was effectively ended with the capture (1901)
of Aguinaldo by Gen. Frederick Funston at Palanan, Isabela
on March 23, 1901 and was brought to Manila.

* Free trade, established by an act of 1909

*William Howard Taft as the first American Governor-General of
the Philippines.

Six hundred American teachers were imported aboard the USS
Thomas

The Catholic Church was disestablished.

Woodrow Wilson administration decided to start a process that
would slowly lead to Philippine independence. U.S. administration
of the Philippines was declared to be temporary and aimed to
develop institutions that would permit and encourage the
eventual establishment of a free and democratic government
William Howard Taft addressing the
audience at the Philippine Assembly.
1. Jones Law
2. Tydings-McDuffie
1. The period 19351946 would ideally be dedicated to the final
adjustments required for a peaceful transition to full independence,
great latitude in autonomy being granted in the meantime.

2. The Hare-Hawes Cutting Act, passed by Congress in 1932, provided
for complete independence of the islands in 1945 after 10 years of
self-government under U.S. supervision


3. The United States Constitution was recognized until the
promulgation of the Philippine Constitution on February 8, 1935, signed
by U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on March 23, 1935 and
ratified at a plebiscite held on May 14, 1935.
On May 14, 1935, an election to fill the newly created office of President
of the Commonwealth of the Philippines was won by Manuel L. Quezon.
The organic laws that governed the Philippines during this
period (American Period) were: President McKinleys Instruction to the
Second Philippine Commission on April 7, 1900; Spooner Amendment
of 1901; Philippine Bill of 1902; Jones Law of 1916 and the Tydings
McDuffie Law of May 1, 1934.
Commonwealth government went into exile in Washington DC
during the Japanese period from May 13, 1942 to October 3, 1944.
President Manuel L. Quezon died on August 1, 1944 and was
succeeded by President Sergio Osmena who brought back the
government to Manila on February 28, 1945.
Changes in Philippine Culture
during the American Period
Democracy was the greatest
legacy the Americans gave us.
Education schools were built all over
the country and making English as a
medium of instructions.
Transportation and Communication
was improved
The Filipinos learned the value of
cleanliness and healthy practices
Hospitals, clinics, and health centers
were built. Public hospitals for leper
victims were also established.
The Philippine economy was
also improved due to increase
agricultural production and
development of new industries.
The English language was widely
taught all over the country
Sources: *Legal Research and Citation by Mrs. Milagros Ong
*Different sites in the internet about the American Period in the Philippines