Dec. 21, 1898: Mckinley issues “Benevolent Assimilation” Proclamation The US is ranked among one of the most important global economies of the world. Behind this strong position lies a history of various events and traditions that influenced the US’ power and hold over various territories. One of the most important ones is … Read more
Filipinos attack San Fernando, May 24, 1899 and June 16, 1899 On May 24, 1899, at about 7:00 a.m., the Filipinos opened fire on the line occupied by the US 1st Brigade, 2nd Division now commanded by Brig. Gen. Frederick Funston, at San Fernando, Pampanga Province. Two battalions of the 1st Montana … Read more
Feb. 9, 1899: Battle of San Roque, Cavite Province San Roque (ABOVE, in 1899) lies about 22 miles (35 km) southwest from Manila by road; a narrow artificial causeway about 600 yards (meters) in length separates it from mainland Cavite Province. [LEFT, 1896 map]. It adjoins the Cavite navy yard that fell … Read more
May 1, 1898: Dewey destroys Spanish fleet at Manila Bay On April 22, 1898, the US Asiatic Fleet commanded by Commodore George Dewey was riding at anchor in the British port of Hong Kong. Navy Secretary John Davis Long (LEFT) cabled the commodore that the United States had begun a blockade of … Read more
Feb. 10, 1899: Battle of Caloocan After capturing La Loma, Brig. Gen. Arthur C. MacArthur, Jr. pushed toward Caloocan, an important railroad center 11 miles (17 km) north of Manila. For several days, trainloads of Filipino soldiers were seen landing in the town. It also barred the way to Malolos, Aguinaldo’s capitol. … Read more
Aug. 16, 1899: Battle of Angeles, Pampanga Province After an extended period of comparative quiet due to the continual heavy rains, General MacArthur began his advance north from San Fernando. He ordered Lt. Col. Jacob H. Smith to press 10 miles northward along the railroad. On Aug. 16, 1899, Colonel Smith moved … Read more
On Aug 11, 1901, Company C, 9th US Infantry Regiment, arrived in Balangiga on the southern coast of Samar island, to close its port and prevent supplies reaching Filipino guerillas in the interior. A glamour unit, Company C was assigned provost duty and guarded the captured President Emilio Aguinaldo upon their return … Read more
The Philippines (LEFT, 1898 map) was a colony of Spain from 1571 to 1898. Spanish rule came to an end as a result of the Philippine Revolution and US involvement with Spain’s other major colony, Cuba. The Philippine archipelago, with a total land area of 300,000 sq km (115,831 sq mi), comprises 7,107 islands … Read more
June 4, 1899: Americans capture Antipolo While the Americans pursued Emilio Aguinaldo in the north, they also moved against his forces operating from the mountain town of Antipolo (ABOVE, 1898 photo), Morong Province, 26 kms (16 miles) east of Manila. On June 3, 1899, Brig. Gen. Robert H. Hall, in command of 2,500 troops, went after General Pio … Read more
After the American flag was raised over Intramuros, Aguinaldo demanded joint occupation. General Merritt immediately cabled Brig. Gen. Henry C. Corbin, US Army Adjutant-General, in Washington, D.C.: “Since occupation of the town and suburbs the insurgents on outside are pressing demand for joint occupation of the city. Situation difficult. Inform me at once how far … Read more
On March 30, the Americans reached the outskirts of Malolos. At the sight of a white signal of surrender, the Americans broke into cheers but the bearers suddenly broke and ran back into the town. An instant pursuit was begun and the US troops were received with heavy volleys. The Americans camped … Read more
During the American occupation through 1946, Aguinaldo continued to pursue his goal of a free and independent Philippines. He supported groups that advocated immediate independence, and helped veterans of the struggle. Aguinaldo and two of his children in a world-touring Hupmobile auto near their home in Kawit, Cavite Province. Photo taken in … Read more
