Economic

Transformation:
Industries and
Agriculture in American
Colonial Philippines
 American Colonial Rule and Self-
Government Aspirations
The American colonial rule in the Philippines was
characterized by policies aimed at training
Filipinos for self-government and ultimate
independence. From the early years of American
occupation, the aspirations of the Filipino people
for self-rule and independence were evident.
However, it took time for these aspirations to
translate into actual policy changes.

self-government was the establishment of civil

government in 1901
In 1907, the formation of a bicameral legislative
body known as the Philippine Assembly further
solidified the path towards self-government.
The Jones Act of 1916, also known as the
Philippine Autonomy Act
Impact of American Policies on Landownership
and Autonomy

American policies implemented during the

colonial period in the Philippines had a significant
impact on the country’s landownership and
autonomy. While efforts were made to establish a
sociocultural basis for political democracy through
education, economic equality was not effectively
achieved.

the concentration of landownership, which

resulted in a rise in share tenancy among
farmers.
 Positive and Negative

Positive Negative
Establishment of a sociocultural basis for Concentration of landownership
political democracy through education Hindrance of Philippine industrialization
Agricultural Sector and Export Industries

The agricultural sector played a vital role in the

Philippine economy during the colonial period. The
cultivation of crops such as sugar, coconut, and
abaca led to the development of thriving export
industries.

The rich soil and favorable climate in the

Philippines made it an ideal location for
agricultural production. As a result, the
cultivation of key crops like sugar, coconut,
and abaca became major sources of income
for the country.
Agricultural Sector and Export Industries
The agricultural sector played a vital role in the Philippine
economy during the colonial period. The cultivation of crops
such as sugar, coconut, and abaca led to the development of
thriving export industries.

The rich soil and favorable climate in the Philippines made it an

ideal location for agricultural production. As a result, the
cultivation of key crops like sugar, coconut, and abaca became
major sources of income for the country.
The sugar industry, in particular, experienced substantial growth
during this period. Large sugar plantations were established,
resulting in increased production. The availability of cheap labor
through share tenancy contributed to the expansion of sugar
cultivation.
Coconut and abaca also became significant export crops. The
demand for coconut oil and copra, derived from the coconut tree,
grew rapidly. Abaca, a type of banana fiber, was highly sought
after for its use in making ropes and other products.
 Impact of Free Trade Policies
and Preferential Trade
The adoption of free trade policies and preferential trade with the United States had a significant impact on the
Philippine economy during the colonial period. As the Philippines became an extension of the American market, it
gained access to the vast opportunities offered by the US market. The demand for Philippine exports soared, providing
a boost to the country’s economy.

The growth of export-oriented industries, such as sugar and coconut, was heavily reliant on access to the US
market.
The preferential trade agreements between the two nations allowed the Philippines to position itself as a key
supplier to the US market, solidifying its role in the global trade network.
Preferential trade agreements played a crucial role in driving the expansion of Philippine exports to the United
States.
The access to the US market through free trade policies and preferential trade arrangements proved to be
instrumental in shaping the Philippine economy during the colonial period.
The Philippines became a key player in the global trade network, leveraging its strategic location and rich natural
resources to emerge as a significant exporter.
Economic Performance and Globalization
The economic performance of the Philippines during
the American colonial period was remarkable,
characterized by rapid GDP growth and a steady
increase in per capita income.

Globalization played a pivotal role in shaping the economic

landscape of the Philippines during this period
The advancements made in industrialized nations created a
demand for raw materials and agricultural produce, leading to
increased trade and export opportunities for the Philippines.
Key Takeaways:
The American colonial period in the Philippines
witnessed a significant economic transformation in
the industries and agriculture sectors.
American policies played a pivotal role in shaping
the economic landscape of the country.
The agricultural sector experienced significant
growth with the development of key crops and
export industries.
The adoption of free trade policies and
preferential trade with the United States had a
profound impact on the Philippine economy.
The economic transformation paved the way for
the Philippines’ eventual independence and
economic growth.
THANK YOU
References
Historian. (2024, February 4). Economic Transformation: Industries and agriculture in American Colonial
Philippines. sinaunangpanahon.com. https://sinaunangpanahon.com/economic-transformation-industries-
and-agriculture-in-american-colonial-philippines/