Racial Uplift In The Philippines

The late 18th and early 19th centuries marked developments in the global presence of the United States as it acquired many new territories ranging from Alaska to the Philippines. Through the Roosevelt Corollary and the dollar diplomacy, politics shaped broad relationships between America, Latin America, and the Pacific Ocean. The Guano Islands Act along with the relations with Hawaii and Panama represent the economic impact of foreign relations. Cultural relations stemming from racial superiority and racial uplift are also present in ties with the Philippines, Hawaii, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Panama. Violent conflicts also existed during this time with Spain and the Philippines in two separate wars. Social backlash was present during this era

While the Filipinos sought independence after being released from Spain, the U.S. perceived the nation as incompetent. William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, in his decision on the Philippines mentions that they are ill-equipped to run a self-government and any attempt to do so will cause misfortune in the region, thus, the United States has no option but to rule over the Philippines. This concept of racial uplift influenced the treatment of Filipino citizens during and after the war, as Shi states the blatant racism and torture they experienced during the three years of war and after hindered any peaceful bonds between the two nations. After the Filipino resistance was reduced, the United States acquired the Philippines to mark its next bitter, controlling relationship with a foreign

A prominent justification for the increase in this activity is partly due to the Anglo-Saxon notions and the acceleration of the United States’ militia and navy. As Shi explains, the continuation of the white-culture dominance held true in relations with the Philippines, as the United States discriminate against them and labeled Filipinos and “niggers”. Moreover, the prevailing idea during the Philippine-American War was that Filipinos are no better than dogs. Hawaiians were also neglected in their cries for independence, composing an irony as America had once also sought and gained independence. The increase in military and navy strength also led to the concept that America had the potential to become a world power, and Roosevelt noticed this. He mentioned the need for the United States to advance their global role due to its growing economic and military interests outside the Americas. Similarly, Roosevelt was known for his big stick diplomacy which symbolized the aggressive actions taken in the Caribbean and in other colonies. Overall, the white superiority combined with military and political progress characterized and influenced oppressive relations with foreign