- The Philippines was a valuable economic asset, with abundant natural resources and a large agricultural economy. The United States was interested in controlling these resources and expanding its economic influence in the region.
2. Anti-colonial sentiment:
- The Philippine Revolution against Spain gained traction in the late 19th century. The war was marked by fierce fighting, with the Filipinos determined to gain independence. The United States saw this as an opportunity to intervene and gain a foothold in the region, eventually leading to the Spanish-American War.
3. Strategic location:
- The Philippines holds a strategic location near trade routes and other key areas in the Asia-Pacific region. Controlling the Philippines meant having a crucial military base and a staging ground for potential future conflicts in the region.
4. Humanitarian concerns:
- The United States also fought in the Philippines due to humanitarian concerns following reports of Spanish brutality and oppression. The Spanish colonial regime was accused of atrocities and human rights abuses against the Filipino population, prompting calls for intervention from various humanitarian organizations and religious groups within the United States.
5. Manifest Destiny:
- The concept of Manifest Destiny, the belief in the United States' God-given right to expand its territory across the North American continent, played a role in the country's involvement in the Philippines. Some viewed the acquisition of the Philippines as part of this expansionist ideology, even though it was located far from the mainland.
6. Influence of Imperialism:
- The United States was influenced by the prevailing ideas of imperialism during that era, where powerful nations were actively acquiring colonies to expand their empires. The desire for imperial expansion motivated the United States to acquire control over the Philippines and exert its influence in the Asia-Pacific region.
7. Diplomatic Considerations:
- The United States was concerned about the growing power of the German Empire and its interest in the Philippines. By annexing the Philippines, the United States aimed to prevent Germany from gaining control over the region and protect its own economic and strategic interests.