1. How significant to the Philippines is the Spanish-American War?

The Spanish-American War freed the Philippines from the colony of Spain but unfortunately,
annexation by the US took place. Therefore, the Spanish-American War delayed Philippine’s
independence as United States colonized us. However, several changes were brought about by
American colonization. Firstly, they helped establish a relationship that fostered a substantial
Filipino population within U.S. borders. United States also improved the economy and system of
government, where the Filipinos had greater political participation. If the United States never
colonized the Philippines, they would not school the Filipino statesmen into the art of American
democracy. Thus, no Philippine Senate.

2. Why was the Battle of Manila Bay significant for both Americans and Filipinos?
The Battle of Manila Bay was significant for both Americans and Filipinos because this was the
time when Americans won against the Spaniards. This victory paved the way for the occupation
of US in Manila and the eventual transfer of the Philippines from Spanish to American control.

3. How was Aguinaldo convinced by the Americans to collaborate with them in expelling the
Spaniards from the Philippines?
When US declared war against Spain, Aguinaldo seized this opportunity as the possibility that
the Philippines might finally achieve its independence. Having this thought in mind and
Americans reassuring him, Aguinaldo agreed to collaborate with them in expelling the Spaniards
from the Philippines.

4. What were the main provisions of the Treaty of Paris?  Why is this treaty significant to our
country? Discuss each.
Signing the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898, the Spanish-American War was officially
ended granting the United States its first overseas empire. Stated in this treaty, Spain renounced
all rights to Cuba and allowed an independent Cuba, ceded Puerto Rico and the island of Guam
to the United States, gave up its possessions in the West Indies, and sold the Philippine Islands,
receiving in exchange $20,000,000. The American and Spanish government reckoned the Treaty
of Paris as an instrument of Peace, but the Filipinos resented its conclusion and ratification for
they were not consulted and considered in its making. Further, the provisions of the treaty
were not for the benefit of the Filipinos but for the imperialists, instead. With this being said,
the bitter relations between the Americans and the Filipinos turned bitterer and eventually lead
to another episode that was known as Filipino-American War.

5. What were the events that led to the outbreak of the Filipino-American War?  What was the
result of the war?
We can summarize the reasons or events that led to the outbreak of the Filipino-American War
into two words: imperialism and nationalism. As the US government continue its quest for an
overseas empire including the Philippines, the desire of the Filipinos for freedom also awakened.
This led to what we now known as the Filipino-American War.
On the other hand, there are also significant consequences brought by this war. Firstly, many
died not just Filipino and American soldiers but countless number of innocent lives were taken.
Secondly, the Philippine independence was delayed until 1946. Thirdly, for the United States,
they acquired an overseas colony which served as basis for U.S. business and military interests.
Lastly, through successful civilian administration by the U.S., the Philippines was modernized,
and the nation prepared for eventual independence hence, finally becoming an independent
nation on July 4, 1946.
6. How did Aguinaldo and the revolutionaries react to McKinley’s Benevolent Assimilation Policy?
Upon receiving the proclamation, General Emilio Aguinaldo issued manifestos on January 5,
1899 declaring his opposition to the "benevolent assimilation declaration" of US President
McKinley. He stated in his reply that he opposed any of the things stated in the said
proclamation and he also warned them that he and his government is prepared to fight any
American attempt to forcibly take over the country. Although he has no intention of declaring a
war, it sounds like it, but he was still hopeful that the situation could be saved by peaceful
negotiations between him and the American military leaders in the Philippines.