Why did Emilio Aguinaldo lead a rebellion against American forces in the Philippines?
Emilio Aguinaldo led a rebellion against American forces in the Philippines because he and his fellow Filipinos felt betrayed by the United States, which they initially saw as allies in their struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule.
The Philippine Revolution began in 1896 against Spanish colonialism. When the Spanish-American War broke out in 1898, Aguinaldo allied with the United States, believing that American forces would help the Philippines achieve independence. Aguinaldo declared Philippine independence on June 12, 1898, and established a provisional government.
However, following the defeat of Spain, the 1898 Treaty of Paris transferred sovereignty over the Philippines from Spain to the United States for $20 million, rather than recognizing Philippine independence. This action disregarded the Filipino's aspirations for self-governance and soured the relationship between the Filipinos and the Americans.
Aguinaldo and his supporters viewed this as a betrayal and were outraged that their aspirations for self-determination were being ignored. They were also concerned about the possibility of being subjected to another form of colonial rule, this time under the United States.
Tensions escalated and eventually led to the outbreak of the Philippine-American War in February 1899, a conflict that lasted until at least 1902 (with some resistance continuing for several years afterward). Aguinaldo led Filipino forces in a guerrilla campaign against American troops, but after several years of fighting, he was captured in 1901, which significantly weakened the Filipino resistance. The war resulted in high casualties on both sides and left lasting scars on Philippine society.
Aguinaldo's decision to lead the rebellion was rooted in a strong desire for Filipino independence and self-determination, as well as a deep sense of frustration and betrayal by the United States.