Imperialism's Bitter Fruit

1. What made the Filipino insurrection "far different than any conflict in which Americans had previously fought"?

During the war in the Philippines American soldiers encountered battles unlike any they had known before. For the first time they had to fight a guerrilla movement which could act swiftly rather than a slower moving traditional army. In addition, the traditional rules of war that had been followed regarding treatment of prisoners and civilians were almost completely ignored. Both the Filipinos and the Americans tortured and killed prisoners and committed other atrocities. As the Filipino insurgents could easily blend into the civilian population, the U.S punished civilians after an attack by Filipino guerrillas. U.S troops also had orders to kill males above the age of ten who did not surrender.      

2. Why were African-Americans among the strongest critics of the war against the Filipino nationalists?

Black soldiers were disturbed by the racist attitudes which prevailed in the military about the Filipinos. The white military referred to the Filipinos as "niggers." In addition, black soldiers themselves found the same discrimination in the Philippines that they encountered in the U.S. They were prohibited from restaurants, barber shops, and many other locations marked as "white only." The Filipinos encouraged African-Americans to desert and join the Filipinos in their fight for independence.


3. Why did the United States lose its appetite for imperialism in the early 1900s ?

In the early 1900s Americans lost their appetite for imperialism mainly due to the difficulties of occupation. In the Philippines and at home there was continued opposition and anti imperialist sentiment. Critics of imperialism such as Mark Twain effectively expressed their opposition in the press. The occupation also brought many legal questions to the fore front which required the Supreme Court to address. In just three years the Supreme Court was required to make fourteen separate decisions regarding the Philippines. The American public became less interested in what was happening so far away form the United States.


4. How did the United States contribute to the development of Cuba and Puerto Rico ?

In Cuba and Puerto Rico, the U.S was primarily concerned with guarding American business and security interests. However, the Americans also brought technology and their business and administrative skills which enabled rapid development. New roads, telegraph lines, and schools were constructed. Sanitation was developed and improved. Medical advances including defeating yellow fever, were made and the finical health of the country was improved.


5. Why did many Cubans come to resent the U.S. presence on their island ?

After their long nationalist fight with Spain, Cuba felt great resentment toward U.S rule. The Platt amendment in 1901, fueled more resentment. The plan gave the U.S the power to oversee the Cuban economy, power over Cuban foreign policy  and allowed the U.S to take steps to protect life, property and liberty. The U.S also was permitted to build a naval base at Guantanamo bay. Cubans now had few opportunities in an economy controlled by Americans and some Spanish. They also were unhappy with Cuban plantation owners who formed alliances with foreign businesses.    
6. Do you believe the United States was imperialist? why or why not ?


I believe the United States was imperialist during this time period. I believe this because the U.S annexed Hawaii and acquired Cuba, The Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico. It did so in order to increase its political, economic and military power.