Annexed The Philippines

Should The U.S. Have Annexed The Philippines?

When the Spanish-American war came to an end and Spain gave up their power in the Philippines and Cuba, the US showed they had no interest in annexing Cuba but were debating on whether or not they should annex the Philippines. The possibility of annexation pleased some but it also made other unhappy, like Emilio Aguinaldo who wanted the Philippines to be free from colonization. In his fight for the island’s freedom, Aguinaldo started a rebellion against the US army and soon enough the Philippine American war began. The instability in this island led to much debate over whether or not the annexation would benefit or detriment the Philippines.

A common viewpoint on the annexation of the Philippines was that it was a necessary action because without U.S involvement, the island would be unfit to look after itself. An example of a

People who opposed the annexation of the Philippines were often anti-imperialists who believed conquering foreign lands went against the concepts of republicanism. In “Platform of the American Anti-Imperialist League” (Document A), we are presented with the common beliefs such as the fact that the U.S. did not have the authority to rule another country or colony without its permission. The document expresses that taking control of a land without its peoples’ permission is cruel and oppressive. An example of an anti-imperialist is William Jennings Bryan. In his speech “Paralyzing Influence of Imperialism” (Document D), Bryan asserts that U.S. intervention on the Island is unnecessary because the Filipinos are just seeking independence, they do not want any control. He also states that in order for us to trade with them we do not have to control their territory. In Bryan’s eyes, it is best to leave the island alone and let them become a strong unified nation on their