Like all experiences of colonialism, the United States’ colonisation of the Philippines has left an enduring mark on its political, economic, and cultural landscape.
The American colonial era in the Philippines began, in 1898, with a brutal war of conquest. As Herbert P. Bix, a Pulitzer winning historian and a history doctor at Harvard, notes, this conflict resulted in the death of “one-sixth of the inhabitants of the most populous Philippine island.” This staggering loss of life underscores the violence that underpinned American colonialism, despite later attempts to portray it as “benevolent.” The brutality of this initial conquest set the stage for a complex relationship between America and the Philippines, creating a power dynamic that would influence Filipino society for generations to come.
A key strategy in establishing American colonial rule was the co-option of the Filipino elite. Bix explains that the “Filipino landowning and money-lending classes” readily aligned themselves with the American colonial structure. This strategy, while not unique to American colonialism, proved particularly effective in the Philippines. By aligning with existing power structures, the American colonists were able to establish control with minimal resistance from the most influential sectors of Philippine society. This alliance between the American colonists and the Filipino elite would have far-reaching consequences, essentially preserving and reinforcing existing socio-economic inequalities.
The introduction of Western-style democratic institutions paradoxically allowed the landowning classes to consolidate their hold on the country. Suffrage restrictions ensured that only a small percentage of the population could vote, reinforcing the power of the elite. This “democracy” was more form than substance, serving to legitimise the power of the few rather than empower the many. The 1909 Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act imposed free trade with the United States, with devastating consequences for the Philippine economy. By 1932, 74% of all Philippine foreign trade was with the U.S., and the country had shifted from being a food exporter to a food importer. This economic reorientation created a dependency that would outlast formal colonialism, tying the Philippines’ economic fate closely to that of the United States.
American colonialism also had a profound impact on Philippine culture and education. The imposition of English as the language of instruction had long-lasting effects. Salvador P. Lopez, a prominent Filipino diplomat, writer, and former President of the University of the Philippines, argues that this policy has left many Filipinos “hardly literate” in their national and local languages, and “virtually illiterate in English.” This linguistic imperialism has created enduring barriers to education and social mobility. Furthermore, the colonial education system systematically downgraded Filipino nationalism, prioritising American history and culture over local knowledge and traditions. This cultural imposition contributed to a crisis of national identity that persists to this day, with many Filipinos struggling to reconcile their indigenous heritage with the imposed American cultural norms.
Even after gaining independence in 1946, the U.S. maintained significant control over the Philippines through various agreements. The 1947 Military Bases Agreement granted the U.S. long-term access to strategic locations in the Philippines. The Bell Trade Act of 1946 further entrenched Philippine economic dependence on the U.S., while the 1950 Quirino-Foster Agreement allowed for extensive American involvement in Philippine governance. These agreements demonstrate how formal independence did not equate to true sovereignty, as the U.S. continued to exert significant influence over Philippine affairs in the post-colonial era.
The legacy of American imperialism continues to shape the Philippines today. The country still struggles with high levels of poverty and inequality, with stark disparities between urban and rural areas. Despite attempts at land reform, tenancy remains a significant issue, perpetuating rural poverty and inequality. Tenant farmers often pay as much as 50 to 70 percent of their crops in rent to landlords; a system that echoes the economic disparities of the colonial era. Moreover, the ongoing establishment of American military facilities on Philippine territory, justified as a deterrent in regional maritime disputes, serves to maintain a significant US presence in the Asia-Pacific region. This military footprint is a stark reminder of the enduring influence of American power in the Philippines, long after the formal end of colonial rule.
Perhaps most insidiously, the colonial experience has left many Filipinos with a complex relationship to their national identity. There is often an over-identification with American culture, despite vastly different living conditions between the two nations. This cultural dissonance, coupled with the economic and political challenges, creates a unique set of obstacles for the Philippines in the 21st century.
Understanding this history is crucial for comprehending the challenges the Philippines faces today and the ongoing nature of its relationship with the United States. It also provides important insights into the long-term effects of imperialism and the complexities of post-colonial nation-building. Moving forward, addressing these historical legacies will be crucial for the Philippines to achieve true independence and sustainable development. The country’s journey towards sovereignty is inextricably linked to decolonisation. Only by confronting and understanding this past can the Philippines chart a course towards a more equitable and independent future.
