Empire 169. Freedom Fighters Betrayed: Colonising the Philippines
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Jul 17, 2024 Join historian Daniel Immerwahr, author of "How to Hide an Empire," as he dives into the brutal colonization of the Philippines following the Spanish-American War. Immerwahr discusses the chilling orders of General Jacob Smith and the horrific consequences for the Filipino population. He also examines the racial theories that justified imperial ambitions and the complexities of Americanization. The struggle for independence led by Emilio Aguinaldo against American imperialism reveals the stark realities of colonialism and its lasting impacts.
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Expansionist Trilemma
- 19th-century U.S. expansionism faced a trilemma: republican government, expansion, and white supremacy.
- The U.S. wanted all three, but could only choose two, creating inherent tension.
Racism as Ideology
- In 1898, racism wasn't a flaw but a worldview explaining global power dynamics.
- White dominance was seen as natural and divinely ordained, justifying expansion.
Philippines Acquisition
- The Philippines became a U.S. acquisition after the Spanish-American War, raising concerns about non-white populations.
- Unlike previous expansions, there were no plans for white settlers to take over, creating anxieties.
