American Atrocities in the Invasion of the Philippines, 1899-1902

Abu Juwairiya

Junior Member
"American servicemen in the Philippines referred to the locals as ‘‘niggers.’’

Combat during the Philippine–US war, 1899–1902, produced 20,000 native fatalities. Another 200,000 Filipinos died from military related operations. Scorched earth tactics fostered famine. Internment camps bred virulent diseases.

Maltreatment of prisoners and suspect civilians added to the tally. Roughly 120,000 US troops were deployed during these years, at a price of $600 million, to suppress forces led by Emilio Aguinaldo. They caused many more US casualties than had Spanish fire in 1898: 4,200 Americans fell in the Philippines versus 380 killed by Spain.

These costs and prolonged hostilities were inconceivable to US officialdom in April 1898 when Congress declared war on decrepit Spain. [American President] McKinley’s primary aim was to end violence in Madrid’s Cuban colony, only ninety miles from Florida. The Philippines were of marginal interest, not a point of public excitement in spring 1898.

Few Americans had heard of them. Fewer still, McKinley included, could locate the islands on a map. (Source "Dissenting Voices in America's Rise to Power" P 190-191, By David Mayers, 2007)

In 1898-99, the US invaded the Philippines/Cuba 'officially' to rescue them from Spain, which had ruled both islands for three hundred years. At the time, Spain was involved in suppressing independence wars against the natives and there was pressure from the American public to enter the war/s on the side of the oppressed against Spain.

The Philippines which had largely won the war against Spain by the time the US invaded, welcomed American intervention and unlike today, genuinely believed the USA actually followed the principles of liberty, freedom etc. it championed abroad and also hoped the latter was sincere in helping them set up an independent state.

The problem was the US intended to stay and in line with its 'principles' felt the natives did not know how to rule and only with American assistance, could the newly found islands become civilised. This meant the US had to rule. This was also despite the fact the natives did not share the same sentiments and the US was still right when the natives declared war against them and led to the deaths of at least 200, 000 people of the Philippines. US rule would last until 1946.
 
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