The Puzzle of the US Purchase of the Philippines from Spain

Why did the United States purchase the Philippines from Spain after the Spanish-American War, a conflict supposedly fought to assert dominance over a weak adversary? This article delves into the complexities of international relations, economic motivations, and the legal and political context that led to this historical event.

Understanding the Background

The Spanish-American War of 1898 was not just a battle for control over Cuba, as popular belief might suggest. The United States initially had no intention of acquiring the Philippines, a territory under Spanish control. However, the outcome of the war changed everything, leading to an acquisition that puzzled many contemporaries and continues to intrigue historians today.

Partly a Public Relations Venture

Amidst the chaos of wartime, the American media, particularly newspapers owned by industrialists like William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, played a significant role in influencing public opinion. These newspapers often exaggerated and sensationalized stories of Cuban oppression, drawing support for the war. In reality, the war's primary intention was not to liberate Cuba but to establish American control over strategic territories, particularly the Philippines.

Strategic and Economic Interests

President McKinley and the U.S. government were more interested in Cuba as a way to protect commercial interests along the Mississippi River and establish dominance in the Caribbean. The Philippines, while strategically valuable, seemed initially to be a smaller prize compared to the vast potential of Cuba. However, the Treaty of Paris, signed shortly after the war's end, signed on December 10, 1898, changed the landscape.

Legal and Financial Considerations

The Treaty of Paris, Article III specifically, dictated that the United States would pay Spain $20 million for the Philippines. In today's value, this amount would be approximately $680 million. However, this payment was not just a matter of giving money; it was a way to maintain good relations with Spain and ensure a smooth transition of power. The U.S. acquisition was not legally kiddable as the U.S. was still an unrecognized state at the time, and the First Philippine Republic did not exist internationally. Yet, the U.S. maintained de facto control, which it claimed was the legal transfer of sovereignty.

The Philippines' Situation

Post-war, the situation in the Philippines was far from clear-cut. While the Americans had control over Manila, the rest of the Philippines was not under their complete dominion. Spanish forces still controlled parts of Mindanao and the Visayas, and Filipino insurgents were active across the archipelago, resisting the American military presence. The Treaty of Paris explicitly stated that Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States, setting the stage for the Philippine-American War, a conflict that raged for years after the signing of the treaty.

International Implications

The purchase of the Philippines from Spain was not just a strategic move for the U.S. but also a significant event in the world's diplomatic landscape. The Treaty of Paris established the U.S. as the legitimate power in the Philippines, solidifying its position as a rising global superpower. This acquisition was a cheap acquisition, as it cost the U.S. approximately $20 million, a relatively insignificant sum considering the strategic and economic benefits it garnered.

Conclusion

The purchase of the Philippines from Spain by the United States in 1898 was a complex affair, influenced by a combination of economic, strategic, and legal considerations. While the war was ostensibly fought for Cuban liberation, the subsequent acquisition of the Philippines by treaty reflected the broader objectives of the U.S. government and its strategic vision for the region. This event remains a critical chapter in the annals of American foreign policy and serves as a reminder of the intricate dance of power and diplomacy in the late 19th century.