Question

Why shouldn't the u.s have let the filipinos govern themselves?

Answer 1

The Philippines did not have a stable government and were weak. In addition to this, if the U.S. did not annex the Philippines, then other countries such as Germany or Japan could have easily taken over due to the lack of government in the Philippines. Germany and other countries like it then had a chance to expand their empires even more. Also, the reasons for annexation were to educate the people because everyone deserves the right to an education. As well as to lead the Philippines in the right direction towards independence and self-government. Additionally, "Christianize" (which I do not agree about because the Philippine people were already forced into Catholicism by the Spanish). Through the annexation of the Philippines, new market opportunities would have been created. Trading could have expanded and the U.S. could trade with more countries and obtain more goods. Furthermore, the Philippines only had a population of 7 million. That means that they were not a big community. Back then, Mahan brought up a good idea and said that the Philippines could be a great spot to supply navy bases that would protect the U.S. And the people of the Philippines would be under the protection of the U.S. Additionally, the Philippines would also supply a spot for a coaling station. The U.S. had already annexed other islands such as Hawaii. Moreover, the U.S. also wanted some type of power. Other countries like Germany were expanding their empire and expanding their armies. If the U.S. annexed the Philippines, we would have a great opportunity to gain some power and expand our empire. To conclude, the annexation of the Philippines was indeed a good idea due to the reasons behind it, the new business markets, possible spots for bases and stations, and the power the U.S. could have gained from it.