I reflect on our own Declaration of Independence that states "Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." We went to the Philippines to protect them from Spain and now here we are doing what we were keeping Spain from doing to these people. I ask you...do we have their consent to annex them? Do they believe it is in their best interest to be annexed to our great country? And what measures are we taking to fund a continued military presence to care for these people? If the Filipinos are not in support of this annexation, they will most assuredly fight us that will result in unnecessary violence and bloodshed of both American soldiers and Filipinos, whether you think them civilized or uncivilized. This is hypocritical to what we ourselves claim in our ideals expressed in our Declaration of Independence...the right to self govern. With this move of annexation are we not acting on the grounds of Imperialism which goes against our belief as a Republic? Are we conquerors, or are we liberators? I believe we should allow Aguinaldo, who we brought there from exile, to set up their own government and create a strong partnership that is agreeable for both the Philippines and the United States with mutual prosperity. Let us be the inspiration and model of their new venture and not force it upon them. This move will be viewed by eyes of other countries; it will impact their perception of our United States and the freedoms our nation values.
You May Also Find These Documents Helpful
-
Two other elements when annexation was proposed. Indeed the Philippine insurrection against the U.S. was more costly in terms of money and American lives lost than had been the Spanish-American war. Nor was everyone in the U.S. in favor of Philippine annexation. Anti-imperialists claimed that the Philippines might involve us in a war in the Far East, and that forced annexation violated the traditional American belief in "government by the consent of the governed." American labor leaders joined in opposition to acquisition lest it lead to the introduction of cheap Philippine labor. American racism also rallied against acquiring…
- 1217 Words
- 5 Pages
Good Essays -
unnecessary to have to own people in order to trade with them. Another reason not to have annexed the Philippines was our approach to do so. “No man…
- 672 Words
- 1 Page
Good Essays -
The Spanish have been a monarchy enforcing their laws and customs upon their colonies since the fifteenth century, so the United States should come to the aid of the filipino people by assisting in setting up a democratic government. Recently, America assisted in liberated the island nation of Cuba from spanish rule. The Cubans were tired of the unfair taxation inforced by the Spanish, as well as having no say in the way they are governed. If the Cubans felt this way about the Spanish, the Filipino people have similar feelings about the Spanish rule. The Spanish monarchy is a in complete control of the Philippines and as the proponent of democracy it is the American duty to share this wonderful political gift with nations that are deprived of their natural right to choose how their lands are governed. Recently, the United States government has been an ambassador of democracy in the the Dominican Republic. This country attempted to bring itself out of a tyrannical government on their own, but their effort was futile. The United States took over the Dominican’s government for a short period of time to help assist them in establishing a democracy. The United States has the ability to bring the most modern and socially responsible form of government to…
- 651 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Jesus Contreras 3/7/14 Period: 4 Should the United States have Annexed the Philippines? When America first acquired new Islands from Spain they weren't sure what to do with them. Cuba was granted semi-independence, but the Philippines was annexed because giving the Philipines back to Spain, or giving the Phillipines independence was out of the question. The annexation of the Philipines caused tenison in America being some 7,000 miles away. However, the United States should not have annexed the Philipines because Filipinos did not want to be governed by America, and back home Americans were just as unhappy with this.…
- 366 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
At the time the decision to annex the Philippines was made, there were other countries waiting and ready to attack and takeover the control that Spain had lost to the Americans. American rule allowed human rights, freedoms and quality of life that would not have been possible had America walked away and allowed the fledgling country try and rule itself. Germany, England, Japan and even Spain would have jumped at the opportunity to take over control of the Philippines and its many resources. Many important and profitable trade routes utilized the Philippines as a gateway to trade their goods and wares. Although it was profitable for the Americans to control this area and have access to the trade routes and resources, they were helping prepare the Filipinos to one day self rule and govern themselves as a free and independent country. Definitely not an opportunity they would…
- 921 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
In 1898, the U.S. wanted to take over the Philippines, a Spanish colony. U.S. businesses saw the Philippines as a good source for raw materials as well as a key to new markets for imports and exports. The islands were in a good strategic position for access to the markets of China. McKinley concluded that the best choice was for the U.S. was to “take and educate the Filipinos, uplift, civilize, and Christianize them.” Even though the Philippines revolted against the U.S. rule with a three year…
- 450 Words
- 2 Pages
Good Essays -
14. What were the arguments for and against the annexation of the Philippines? Who lead each…
- 492 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
The United States fought harsh battles against Spain and the Philippines. They lost thousands of men and need compensation. The United States should not give up the islands of the Philippines. It is their reward for winning the war and they have the right to annex it. "We must on no account let the islands go. The American flag is up and it must stay up." With the Philippines, the U.S. would have great benefits. Not only will there be many natural resources, but also the Philippines geographic location will benefit the U.S. in future warfare and trading. The Philippines would provide new markets and cheap labor, which would help the U.S.'s overall economy. But annexing won't just help the U.S. The people of the Philippines would also benefit. The U.S. would establish a democratic society. People would work for wages and the economy would rise. U.S. inventions would be introduced to improve living conditions, such as, plumbing, electricity, and better structured homes. Some of the people of the Philippines may think that this process would be taking advantage of them, but they don't realize that both countries would benefit with the annexation of the…
- 196 Words
- 1 Page
Satisfactory Essays -
Another reason the United States should annex the Philippines is that with the Philippines the U.S. would have great natural benefits. Not only will there be many natural resources, but also the Philippines geographic location will benefit the U.S. in future warfare and trading. The Philippines would provide new markets and cheap labor, which would help the U.S.'s overall economy. But annexing won't just help the U.S. The people of the Philippines would also benefit. The U.S. would establish a democratic society. People would work for wages and the economy would rise. U.S. inventions would be introduced to improve living conditions, such as, plumbing, electricity, and better structured homes. Some of the people of the Philippines may think that this process would be taking advantage of them, but they don't realize that both countries would benefit with the annexation of the…
- 296 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
"Should the United States Annex the Philippines?" After defeating Spain in 1898, the United States took control of Guam, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. Then decided to annex Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Guam, but to give Cuba its freedom. Now the United States has to make the decision to annex the Philippine Islands, like Hawaii, Guam, and Puerto Rico, or to give them their freedom, like they did Cuba. It would be in the best interest for President McKinley to acquire the ownership of the Philippines thereby expanding U.S. trade routes and strengthening foreign affairs.…
- 609 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
If we didn’t grant the Philippines independence, it would be going against our own laws and would cause a rebellion. We helped them gain independence, and they rightfully earned it. We should have granted them independence for the most peaceful and democratic solution. Many Americans have given their lives to fight for freedom and independence. Should we let their sacrifices be in…
- 506 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Around 1900, imperialism became the most talked about issue within the United States. After the Spanish-American war ended and the U.S. gained many Pacific islands as a result, most Americans became concerned over whether to annex the Philippines or not. The Americans who wanted to annex the Philippines believed that they were in there as legally as the citizens themselves. Taking them was not wrong at all, nor was it violating the Declaration Of Independence (Doc 6). Albert…
- 279 Words
- 2 Pages
Good Essays -
| | | | | | | | | 16. | 22.01-026 | | After the Spanish-American War, heated debates raged over the imperialism of annexing * THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS…
- 861 Words
- 4 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
Expansion into the Philippines meant different things to different leaders. Some leaders believed in expansion for economic reasons while others believed in spreading American idealism. Finally, during a time when America had gained political and economic strength, Spain was oppressing their people and American leaders argued that the U.S. needed to provide humanitarian aid. In this essay, I will exam three instances of motives used to justify expansion into the Philippines.…
- 322 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
My beloved countrymen, good evening. Over the past few months, a few topics have come to be the focus of public discourse. With the cacophony of discordant voices coming from many different sides, perhaps the subject of the Pork Barrel and DAP has begun to leave you confused. I am asking you for a few minutes of your time in order to bring clarity to these issues.…
- 1826 Words
- 8 Pages
Good Essays