American History

Wildman (1901) notes that after hostilities broke out, rebellion became widespread throughout the Archipelago. America did not have the military strength to handle the situation in Manila. As a result Spanish garrisons were attacked by the rebels in all the Islands (Wildman, 1901). General Rios, as Wildman (1901) argues, did not welcome the idea of leaving his troops at the mercy of revolutionary gangs. In spite of protests from General Otis he sent out troops to the southern islands and also withdrew Spanish forces. After the Spanish garrison was evacuated the Filipinos took control of the city.  Even though, the rebels did not have superior weapons, they were strong in numbers and conducted a reign of terror against religious leaders (Wildman 1901). Religious leaders as a result fled to Singapore and Hong Kong. Germans, British and Chinese residents raised their home country flags in their homes. The natives, on the other hand, established a government, started settling in public buildings, and declared their allegiance to Aguinaldo and the Filipino Republic (Wildman, 1901). After an intense controversy, the rebel government agreed to a provisional surrender although they wanted Aguinaldo to be recognized as a legitimate ruler before they could let go the whole Island. However, the American flag was raised and a military government set up (Wildman, 1901).  Later on, as Wildman (1901) illustrates, Colonel James Smith was appointed governor he took the opportunity and utilized the native troops as law enforcement agents, and also established municipal governments throughout the Island.  The insurgents however, continued with their attacks thereby breaking all the American hopes of securing peace through diplomatic means. American troops vied to be allowed to attack the insurgents by their commanders. The enemy, on the other hand, was utilizing the weeks of military inactivity to strengthen their position. They destroyed roads, bridges, and the railway lines. American forces were however, determined to destroy the enemy and cut off their escape. American troops pitted regular actions in the battlefield against the main force of their enemies. They employed the Filipino tactics of war. As a result they greatly overwhelmed the Filipinos.

Wildman (1901) asserts that the Filipino soldiers were astonished by the American troops who did not take any caution let alone cover-seeking carefulness. American forces attacked the insurgents, right from their hiding places. The rebels tried to attack the American troops by making deliberate attacks in the open fields. The American troops however, charged and drove the insurgents away captured and killed some of them (Wildman, 1901). American troops continued pursuing the Filipinos who were retreating to other towns. They employed the help of voluntary prisoners with the insurgents. These prisoners provided them with information concerning the military strategies of the Filipinos. Higgins was one of such prisoners he urged the natives not to destroy the railroad bridges, but to tear up the tracks and hide rails (Wildman, 1901). As a result vital railroad bridges were preserved these greatly helped in the rapid advance of the American troops. That was a great military tactic employed by the Americans. They loaded trains with rails and engineers who fixed the rails as soon as the way was cleared (Wildman, 1901). Rebuild railroads enabled American forces to keep on advancing and also have a constant supply of military equipment. As American troops continued advancing the Filipinos were flying across the area in front of Aguinaldos palace. These turned and gave the Americans hail for their work. They dropped their bags as well as their baggage and scooted. As the Americans advanced not a Filipino remained to challenge their occupation. The Filipinos were therefore defeated at Malolos (Wildman, 1901). Americans had experienced difficulties during their move from Caloocan, but the defeat of the Filipinos at Malolos was a great historical achievement. The military tactics that the Filipinos had employed at Malolos had not protected them from the shells of American troops field guns and the charge of their infantry. The organization of the Filipinos was faulty this made their troops to become demoralized under the fire of Americans. While the Filipinos never fought in the open, adopting guerilla warfare tactics, the Americans fought in the open and surrender was not in their code. The movements adopted by the Filipinos were very helpful to the Americans troops as well as to their commanders.

Filipinos, who surrendered, did not recognize the full importance of their defeat to the Americans. A Filipino commission in Manila made a proclamation that it was the policy of the U.S. to consult opinions and requests, in addition to safeguarding the counsel, corporation and aid of the Philippine people themselves. This commission made it clear that the American supremacy had to be acknowledged (Wildman, 1901). Civil in addition to religious rights were guaranteed. An honest civil service to which the Filipinos would be employed was also established. An honest administration was set up which assured the Filipinos that railroad and public roads would be developed. Basic along with higher educations were also made possible. Reforms were instituted in all departments of governmental service (Wildman, 1901).  Copies of the proclamation were printed in native languages and circulated all over the Island. Filipinos in Manila, who had deserted their homes due to terrorism from rebels, conferred with the commission and offered suggestions to form a government that was okay to the people. The proclamation asserted the sovereignty of the United States and provided no allowance to the military element of the Filipino.