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In 250 words or less, explain (a) what the milieu was in the United State of America that prompted

them
to consider giving the Philippines’ its independence, and (b) the difference between the Hare-Hawes-
Cutting and Tydings-McDuffie Acts.

Throughout the years America handled the Philippines, Filipinos were longing for its
independence from U.S. It is important to take note that the main cause of the constant request of
Filipinos for Independence was in 1913, when the United States shifted to a Democratic administration
from a Republican. What prompted the United State of America to consider giving the Philippines their
independence was heavily because of the Great Depression. This made the economy of the United
States drastically declined, leading to increased poverty, unemployed, and many more. In relation to the
situation in the Philippines, the US Congress considered the Independence since they viewed the islands
of the Philippines as a financial liability to the country, not because of losing interests to its resources.
The Hare-Hawes-Cutting and Tydings-Mcduffie Acts has the same goal, which is the independence of the
Philippines, but these acts have many differences which led to Manuel Quezon opposed with the Hare-
Hawes-Cutting Act. The difference between the two are the control of the United States to the military
base in the Philippines and the Tariffs. In the Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act, the immigration quotas will be low
but tariffs high following the independence of the country. It also allows the U.S. continuing their control
and their military in the country. Meanwhile, The Tydings-Mcduffie Act paved its way for Philippines to
be a commonwealth, making the archipelago more autonomous but still subjected to the authority of
the U.S.. It also set a graduated tariff rate to Philippine Goods.

The Asia Dialogue. (2017, March 13). Solving the “Philippine problem”: Frank Murphy, the Great

Depression, and the creation of the Philippine Commonwealth.

https://theasiadialogue.com/2017/03/13/solving-the-philippine-problem-frank-murphy-the-great-

depression-and-the-creation-of-the-philippine-commonwealth/

Duignan, B. (2018, June 29). Causes of the Great Depression. Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/story/causes-of-the-great-depression
Sicat, G. P. (2016, February 27). ‘Manuel L. Quezon: How he secured the independence law from the

United States.’ Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/business/2015/08/18/1489561/manuel-l-

quezon-how-he-secured-independence-law-united-states

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (1998, July 20). Hare–Hawes–Cutting Act | Philippine

Independence, tariff reduction & Immigration. Encyclopedia Britannica.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hare-Hawes-Cutting-Act
What were the motivations/reasons for the American Imperialism in the Philippines?

What effects did the American colonial rule have in the Philippines? How did it differ from the Spanish
colonial rule?

What were the political, social, and economic policies of the Japanese during their occupation of the
Philippines?

What were the motivations or reasons for the American Imperialism in the Philippines?

The motivations or reasons behind the American Imperialism in the Philippines revolves around the the
Manifest Destiny. It is said that the doctrine of Manifest Destiny is also known for the belief that
American Territorial expansion was both inevitable and divinely ordained. Its main objective is to settle
the continent, conquer lands, and prosper from the conquered land. Basically, it revolves around the
concept of ideology, economic benefits, and a strategic motive for future events. In terms of ideology,
"Manifest Destiny" refers to White Americans' superiority and belief that they were predestined by God
to conquer the nations of North America, which quickly expanded to the pacific regions including the
Philippines. In terms of strategic motivation, the United States of America feared the growth of other
nations if they do not take control of the Philippines such as Germany and Japan. Aside from their
ideology in conquering nations and their strategic motives, they also do desire investment and
commercial opportunities within Asia. These motivations of the American Imperialism were eventually
noticed by the Filipinos due to signing of the Treaty of Paris without consultation with Filipino
representatives and the Benevolent Assimilation proclamation of US President William McKinley.
Outbreak of the war between the Filipinos and American started when Private William Grayson shot 3
Filipino soldiers on Feb 04, 1899, and the rest was history.

What are my reflections for this lecture?

In all honesty, the American Imperialism was more confusing than the Spanish colonialization
considering the introduction of multiple laws, and control over the Philippines. Overall, this lecture
helped me reminded of important events during the American Imperialism that I have missed from
before. The United States of America helped in nurturing the government system in the Philippines and
improved our economy after the drought we experienced from the Spanish colonialism. Aside from this,
education was also one of the priorities of American upon settling here in the Philippines. I think that
despite the brutal colonization of Spain towards our Filipino people, we should also remember the lives
of Filipino that was deceived and taken by the Americans because of their ideology. No matter what help
and donations these countries offer us, the brutality and discrimination they have made us endured is
unforgiveable. Also, using religion as the driving force to colonize other nations will never be the answer
to satisfy the needs of the nation.

link
500 Words.

How does Heneral Luna fare compared to other films of the same genre in terms of production quality,
music, acting, script?

How would you explain the nationalism of the various characters in the films, particularly Antonio Luna,
Emilio Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini, and Pedro Paterno? How were they different from each other?

What scene in the film struck you the most? Why?

Upon finishing watching the film, Heneral Luna (2015), I noticed the production it was put into filming
Heneral Luna. Despite the hype it got from previous years, I did not get the chance to watch the film
during its release due to its genre (a historical film). Viewing it now, I saw the difference of the film to
other historical films such as the script, acting, and the production quality of the film. The
cinematography of the film exceeds my expectations, considering it is a historical fiction based on facts
filmed in 2015. Additionally, the visuals were a treat to viewers since there were lots of scenes that
capture how we portrayed the 1890’s to 1900’s. The music fitted very well with the theme and scenes of
the film that made me seated at the edge of my seat most of the time. The acting, especially John
Arcilla’s portrayal of Antonio Luna was a chef kiss. His acting and dedication made the film stand out
from other films. For me, the four characters embodied nationalism in different ways, but all had flaws
within them that made the revolution unsuccessful. Heneral Luna is know to be ambitious with his
plannings but manages to execute it successfully. One takeaway from the film was his saying that no one
should be above the law, even the president. He showed his nationalism by joining the war for the
freedom of our country, but has closed ears in terms of collaborating with others. Apolinario Mabini was
known for his wisdom and brain during the revolution. He was sort of the mastermind of the country. He
showed his nationalism to our country by being the right-hand man of the president at that time, Emilio
Aguinaldo, and contributes to the decisions of the president with his knowledge. Unfortunately, he was
captured after renouncing alliances with the Americans. As a person with knowledge, it was too late for
him realizing the actual plan of the Americans after their negotiations were not fulfilled. Emilio
Aguinaldo, on the other hand, was willing to lead the Philippines and its revolution against America but
was blinded by positions and power by his fellow Filipino. It was suspected that he ordered to kill both of
our well-known heroes, Andres Bonifacio and General Luna. Blinded by jealousy and insecurity to others,
he failed to lead the nation during the Imperialism of America. Pedro Paterno has his share in
nationalism such as publishing literary works such as novels and served as a cabinet member. The flaw in
him was he is a turncoat and traitor. He easily switched sides to whoever he would benefit from. The
scene that struck me the most was the death of Heneral Luna and Colonel Paco Roman. The scene was
inspired by Juan Luna’s Spoliarium. Both painting and the scene reflects inhumane punishments to the
gladiatiors /soldiers, which supposed to be a wake-up call for Filipinos who are blinded by corrupted
officials and desires in exchange for peace and freedom.

Heneral Luna – ambitious with his plans but manages to execute it successfully. Loved the Philippines no
matter what. Believed that no one should be above the law, even the president.
Emilio Aguinaldo – Portrayed as a traitor to the Country near end

Apolinario Mabini –

Pedro Paterno – Focuses on the benefits of their own families rather than the country. Turned a blind eye
for the satisfaction of the

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