Presenation about Benevolent Assimilation.pptx

History

1. Benevolent Assimilation and the Philippine-American War

2. Prelude to War: Malolos Constitution Aguinaldo issued a decree on July 18, 1898, asking for the election of delegates to the revolutionary congress, but a few days later, he rescinded this. The revolutionary congress was assembled at the Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan on September 15, 1898. Drafted by Felipe G. Calderon and Cayetano Arellano. After some minor revisions, the final draft of the Constitution with titled “The Political Constitution of 1899”. The First Philippine Republic was inaugurated on January 21, 1899.

3. Prelude to War: Malolos Constitution The Political Constitution of 1899 or the Malolos Constitution established a democratic, republication government with three branches. Specifically provided for safeguards against abuses and individual rights not only of the Filipinos, but also the aliens. It called for the separation of church and state. The executive powers were to be exercise by the President of the Republic with the help of his cabinet. The Cabinet, composed of the Secretaries of different departments of the government. Judicial powers were given to the Supreme Court and other lower courts to be created by law. Legislative is called Assembly of Representatives. President would be elected by a Constituent Assembly of the Assembly of Representatives and Special Representatives. The 1899 Malolos Constitution was never enforced.

4. Prelude to War On the 13 th of August 1898, a mock battle was staged in Manila between Spanish and American forces. General Artemio Ricarte began to suspect the Americans’ true motives.

5. Prelude to War: Rationale Manifest Destiny was the driving force behind the United States’ expansion. US desired to have access to the markets of the Oriental region. Before the signing of the Treaty of Paris, President McKinley was conflicted as to what to do with the Philippines.

6. Benevolent Assimilation President William Mckinley issued the so-called “Benevolent Assimilation” proclamation and announced the American Policy regarding the Philippines. “Finally, it should be the earnest wish and paramount aim of the military administration to win the confidence, respect, and affection of the inhabitants of the Philippines by assuring them in every possible way that full measure of individual rights and liberties which is the heritage of free peoples, and by proving to them that the mission of the United States is one of benevolent assimilation substituting the mild sway of justice and right for arbitrary rule.” The proclamation was sent to General Elwell Otis, US military commander and Governor-General in the Philippines.

7. Prelude to war: Attempts to allay tensions and breaking point Aguinaldo and Otis both sent three representatives in an attempt to prevent hostilities. On February 1, 1899 a group of American engineers was arrested by Filipino troops. On the night of February 4, 1899, Private William W. Grayson shot a Filipino soldier on the corner of Sociego and Silencio Streets in Santa Mesa, Manila. Aguinaldo sent an emissary to inform General Otis that the “Firing on our side the night before hadbeen against my order.” General Otis, said that the “Fighting, havingstarted , must go on the grim end.”

8. Philippine-American War The Americans won in the Bamle of La Loma, near the Chinese cemetery where Major Jose Torres Bugallon died in combat With La Loma in General MacArthur’s hands, he proceeded to Caloocan where he was met by General Antonio Luna’s force. Luna was defeated in this battle. Most engagements ended with the Americans victorious, but the Filipino troops recorded a few victories.

9. The Fall of the Mabini Cabinet Apolinario Mabini - Was the next most powerful in the country, after Aguinaldo – Pres. of the cabinet; Prime Minister – Secretary of Foreign Affairs – Aguinaldo depended on him because he was honest, hardworking and incorruptible. – He was poor when entered the government service and was essentially penniless when he died. Pedro Paterno, Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, and Felipe Buencamino wanted to accept America’s offer of “autonomy”. On May 7, Aguinaldo informed Mabini that Paterno was forming a New Cabinet.

10. The Assassination of Luna When the Philippine-American War broke out, Luna was Chief of military zone that included many provinces of Central Luzon. While inspecting the defenses against the advancing Americans, he received a telegram from Cabanatuan saying that he was wanted there. On June 5, 1899, He reached the Aguinaldo’s Headquarters in Cabanatuan. He was brutally assailed by the stationed soldiers there and he eventually succumbed to his wounds.

11. Aguinaldo’s retreat to Palanan With the death of General Luna, many Filipino field commanders were demoralized. A number of Aguinaldo’s Generals surrendered to the enemy. Aguinaldo and with some selected men, his son, wife, mother, and sister fled to Pangansinan . The Americans followed him and tried to catch him, but they failed. On September 6, 1990, he and his men reached Palanan, Isabella where he established his Headquarters.

12. Battle of Tirad Pass While fleeing the Americans, Aguinaldo reached the Mountain Province. He ordered his trusted General Gregorio Del Pilar, to remain behind as they continued to advance. Del Pilar chose to delay the enemy at Pasong Tirad . In the morning of December 2, 1899 Major Peyton March and his well-armed men proceeded toward Del Pillar’s position. A fierce battle ensued and Del Pilar was killed by a bullet that passed through his neck.

13. Aguinaldo’s Capture With the help of a Spaniard, Lazaro Segovia, Colonel Frederick Funston planned the capture of Aguinaldo. They walked to Palanan and informed Aguinaldo through a courier that they were bringing in the American captives. When Segovia arrived in the house where Aguinaldo was staying, he and his men signaled to their comrades to start firing. Aguinaldo was subsequently captured, signaling the end of the First Philippine Republic.