As a result of its successful intervention in the Philippines, the U.S. shifted its perception of itself, expanding its mindset that it was a dominant global power. U.S. media amplified this view of “American exceptionalism” to justify its imperialistic actions in the war, with newspapers depicting the Filipino people as “savage” and claiming that they were incapable of governing themselves.
Depiction of American Views of Native Populations as Savages, July 1898, Charles L. Bartholomew
"Support for the resistance was not limited to individuals at the apex of provincial society. Most of the men who served in the ranks of Malvar’s army were poor men; only a handful owned any property"
~ Glenn Anthony May
Emilio Aguinaldo, 1898, Library of Congress
Through their resentment against the U.S., the Filipinos built a unique identity which united the country. Ideas of unity were centered around Filipino nationalists, such as Emilio Aguinaldo, who declared an independent government separate from the U.S. Similar to American newspapers, Filipino propaganda denounced U.S. intervention, in hopes to broaden its unification. However, the War simultaneously heightened the gaps between the rich and poor populations, demonstrated through bandit groups who rebelled against the Filipino elite and sided with the Americans.
“This platform declares that it is impossible for the Filipinos to exist as a nation without the protection of the United States and that consequently, they must recognize American sovereignty and strive to attain, under a constitution the utmost liberty possible”
~ Felipe Buencamino
Domestic politics largely shaped the U.S.'s policies towards its sovereignty over the Philippines. Specifically, many Americans endorsed the War's economic benefits, such as the creation of an exclusive market of U.S. products, to help alleviate the impacts of the economic depression. Ultimately, with President McKinely's desire to exert a strong political hand and pursue the idea of American exceptionalism, the Philippine-American War commenced, thus allowing the U.S. to return to economic prosperity and create prospects for its entrance into the global sphere.
William McKinely during the Phillipine-American War, White House
Expansion of U.S. Imperialism beyond the West , 1898, Minneapolis Journal
The U.S. felt that in order to achieve economic prosperity, it was necessary to exploit Filipino resources and the Filipino population. Furthermore, the U.S. believed that Philippine occupation would allow it to secure dominance over the Asian trade market rather than its competing imperialistic powers.
This economic prosperity for the U.S. came at the expense of the Philippines, as the country remained dependent on foreign aid, mainly from the U.S., to support its economy. Moreover, the Philippines’ economy became reliant on natural resources for economic growth, making it more vulnerable to shifts in the environment.
"The Philippines give us a base at the door of all die East...No land in America surpasses in fertility the plains and valleys of Luzon. Rice and coffee, sugar and cocoanuts, hemp and tobacco...The wood of the Philippines can supply the furniture of the world for a century to come~ "
~Senator Albert J. Beveridge
The Philippines-American War brought into perspective the ethics behind American imperialism, as it demonstrated American hypocrisy through its contradiction in its policy towards the Philippines. Although the U.S. claimed that it wanted to guide the Philippines towards a successful stake of independence, in reality, it exploited the country for global political and economic power. Consequently, this hypocrisy largely contributed to the resentment of a majority of Filipino people, continuing until present day.
American propaganda depicting the U.S. helping the Philippines, 1902, Minneapolis Journal