Author Bio: The author found it unwise to include his signature, but he was an authorized personal representative of Aguinaldo.
Date/Context: The excerpts were from September 1899. This was the time where imperialism was at its peak. During this period the Philippines were given to the United States in the Treaty of Paris from Spain. The conflict of independence resulted in the The Philippine-American War. This war sets the tone for "Aguinaldo's Case Against the United States."
Summary: The article starts out by stating that most of the American nation does not understand the conflicts occurring in the Philippines, and if they did know they would want the war to end. It also includes how other civilized nations believe America is a laughing stock due to it's civilized government in America, but forceful government in the Philippines. The Filipinos express the ignorance of the Americans for thinking the Filipinos were simple minded, or eager to learn any knowledge the Americans threw at them. The Filipinos believe they can govern themselves, and are constantly frustrated when America says they cannot. The hypocrisy of America is clear; America wanted independence from the English when they had the opportunity but now will not allow the same for the Filipinos. The Filipinos were even ready to be governed by America, to allow for a better life, and be protected, but America did not keep it's promises. America continues to deceive itself into thinking all they need to do is place military troops and into the Philippines to keep it from fighting back. The Philippine Islands will never be conquered by force alone. The conclusion to the article states that America should have won the Philippine people over and then lead them a certain way instead of trying to force them into something they did not want so quickly. They believe the Philippines are for the Filipinos.
Key Quote: "You must begin by conquering the hearts of the Philippine people. Be absolutely just, and you can lead them with a silken cord where chains of steel will not drag them."
Defining Characteristics: The big picture in this article summarizes and explains Philippine resentment to the United States during their rule over the Philippines. Many US citizens were oblivious or didn't care enough to learn about the US-Philippino war. The United States gained control of the Philippines after World War 2 in the Treaty of Paris after the Spanish were forced to give the Philippines up. The US then promised Filipino independence even though the continued to reign indirectly over the Philippines through force for some time later. Many Filipino's saw the transfer of rule from the Spanish to the US as a time for independence and almost no one thought the would be a war.
ReplyDeleteFeedback: All together I found Reba's response to be well put and showed her knowledge of this topic. I also like how she added the key concept that "America wanted independence from the English when they had the opportunity but now will not allow the same for the Filipinos". I found this quote to be the very essence and basis of this argument (besides the US rule). I think Reba did an excellent job portraying the article in an intelligent manor while still capturing the main concept and argument.