Step 1: Analyzing the Documents Divide the class into small groups (3-8 students) and give each group a packet of all the documents. Each group member should choose ONE of the documents to closely examine. The group member will debate the annexation of the Philippines from the perspective of the writer of his or her document. Make sure that each group includes at least one pro-annexation view, one anti-annexation, and one Filipino perspective. After reading the document assigned to them, the students should skim the other documents in the packet. Step 2: Preparing to Debate Students prepare to debate from the perspectives of their characters, by answering the following questions:
Step 3: Choosing a Recorder Each group should choose a person to record the debate. That person should make a chart with space for reasons for and against U.S. annexation of the Philippines. Step 4: Presenting the Views from the Documents Each group member, pretending to be the person who wrote their assigned document, should present that person's view on annexation to the rest of the group. The recorder should make note of pro and con arguments on the chart. Step 5: Debate When everyone has presented his or her view, students should continue discussing and debating the question of U.S. annexation. They should use the documents and their authors as the basis for the debate; they should strive to STAY IN CHARACTER. Step 6: Reaching a Consensus By the end of the debate, group members should try to reach a consensus--a compromise on which everyone can agree--about what position the U.S. should take on the question of annexing the Philippines. Participants should refer to their answers from Step 2. Step 7: Report to the Class Members of each group should share with their classmates what kind of consensus they reached. If the group was unable to reach a consensus, they should explain why not.
The United States saw its initial involvement with the Philippines in the late 19th century. In 1898, the Spanish-American War began with the sinking of the Battleship Maine in Havana, but it only lasted that one year as the Treaty of Paris ended the conflict on December 10. As a result of the agreement that ended the war, Spain would lose control over the remains of its empire. That included Puerto Rico, Cuba, Guam, and the Philippines. It turned out that the United States was not really in the mood to become a colonial empire. Americans had once been a colony themselves, and they didn’t have the stomach in the early 20th century to hold onto their new possessions won from Spain. The largest of these possessions was the Philippines, which was granted independence 40 years after being ceded from Spain. Some thought has been given to the pros and cons of annexing the Philippines back into the United States. It could reinforce American interests in the region, reduce crime on the islands, and support a more democratic government. It would also return the U.S. to its colonial roots, which is an outcome that many people do not want. List of the Pros of the Annexation of the Philippines1. The United States already provides for the mutual defense of the islands. 2. There is already a significant presence of Americans on the islands. There is also the American Military Cemetery in Manila, which is the largest one outside of the U.S. as well. Annexing the islands would allow the American government to reinforce many of the benefits it already provides. 3. Millions of dollars in aid already flow to the Philippines each year. 4. It would reduce the uncertainty that exists in the South China Sea. During a visit to Manila, Obama refused to offer clarification to the Philippines regarding their status with Scarborough Shoal. There is a lot of uncertainty because of this action that would go away if annexation were to occur. 5. There is global precedent for such an action to take place. They would need to do so voluntarily to stay in compliance with global standards, but it would also be possible to get it done in this modern time. 6. It would provide stability to the Filipino government. Duterte might have a 78% satisfaction rating, but it does not mean that the government is stable. Instead of cracking down on the poorest citizens of the country, annexation would allow the U.S. government to step in and provide needed resources to lift the economic welfare of everyone. 7. The Filipino economy is powered by young workers. There is a strong fear of poverty in the employment demographics in the Philippines that would benefit productivity. About 10 million families don’t meet the income threshold of $168 per month for basic food and housing requirements. Those who have jobs don’t want to join those ranks, so they work hard to make a better life for themselves. 8. It could strike a blow for freedom and capitalism in a place where Communism exists. 9. The U.S. already paid for the right of ownership over the islands. Proponents can argue that the payment made to acquire the Philippines allows the U.S. to have the first right of annexation. Even though the federal government granted full independence after World War II, the ability to reacquire might not legally go away. List of the Cons of the Annexation of the Philippines1. There were plenty of people who were not comfortable with the first annexation. The feeling is mutual in the Philippines. The U.S. granted their independence on July 4, 1946, but the country celebrates its Independence Day on June 12 when it became free of Spain during the Spanish-American War in 1898. 2. The Philippines would lose its independence. Territories do not get a vote in Congress. The Philippines would send a delegate as they did before to sit on committees or debate laws. There would be delegates sent to political conventions. It would create a lack of representation despite the presence of some federal taxation. 3. Federal aid levels would need to be significant in the Philippines. That would mean a significant amount of aid would be necessary to reform the Filipino economy. This disadvantage would require a significant investment from the American taxpayer, stretch Social Security thin, and create more pressure on food and emergency aid services than if the islands were to stay independent. 4. It would cause more tension between the U.S., China, and Russia. 5. Most discretionary spending in the Philippines goes to food. Salaries are remarkably low in the Philippines, and that would need to change dramatically. A senior project manager only earns $21,000 per year. An entry-level accountant would get $4,700 per year. 6. It would be an echo of the manifest destiny doctrine. Once one country begins to think that it is superior to all others and has God supporting those actions, then almost anything can happen. Many of the wars started in the 19th century that involved the United States had manifest destiny as part of the problem. Could the U.S. manage another war while it continues to fight in Afghanistan and other locations in the Middle East? 7. Most people in the Philippines do not want this outcome. If Filipinos hadn’t fought side-by-side with Americans in the Pacific theater, the federal government may not have ever allowed for complete independence. 8. It would set a dangerous precedent for the rest of the world. Conclusion Americans quickly realized that the idea of becoming a colonial power was not a good one. There are several challenges that must be solved to administer a territory like the Philippines that is so far away from the mainland. All of the challenges that come with the efforts to support the citizens of Puerto Rico would be magnified tenfold if annexation were to occur with the chain of islands today. The past benefits of annexation helped to bring the Philippines toward its status as a modern nation. It still receives mutual defense benefits and close ties to the United States because of this close relationship. The pros and cons of the annexation of the Philippines show that the alliance formed is useful. It may not have many modern benefits to consider, but there could be interests in countering claims from China over the South China Sea and other territorial concerns. Author Bio |