After the Spanish-American War, Filipinos felt betrayed by the U.S. government. This profound sense of betrayal stemmed from a significant discrepancy between their expectations and the ultimate actions taken by the United States.
The Root of Betrayal: Broken Promises
The Filipino people had initially believed that the U.S. was assisting them in their struggle for independence from Mexico. However, upon the conclusion of the war, the United States chose to annex the Philippines instead of granting them the self-governance they had anticipated. This act directly contradicted the understanding and hope for autonomy, leading to deep resentment and a perception of broken promises.
The contrast between Filipino expectations and the U.S. government's actions can be summarized as follows:
| Expectation (Filipino Perspective) | Reality (U.S. Government's Action) |
|---|---|
| U.S. aid in achieving independence from Mexico | U.S. annexed the Philippines |
| Filipinos gaining sovereignty and self-rule | Philippines remaining under foreign control |
The Aftermath and Its Impact
The annexation of the Philippines by the U.S. directly fueled the outbreak of the Philippine-American War, a conflict born out of the Filipinos' continued struggle for the independence they believed was their right. The feeling of betrayal was a central motivator for this armed resistance against the new colonial power. This period marked a significant shift in U.S.-Philippine relations, moving from perceived liberator to perceived oppressor in the eyes of many Filipinos.
Key Takeaways
- Profound Betrayal: The dominant sentiment among Filipinos was betrayal.
- Broken Promise of Independence: They felt that the U.S. had promised aid in securing independence from Mexico but instead pursued annexation.
- Catalyst for Conflict: This betrayal ultimately ignited the Philippine-American War, as Filipinos continued to fight for their sovereignty.
