When the United States bought the Philippines from the Spanish as a part of the 1898 Treaty of Paris, which ended the Spanish-American War, few Americans knew the difficulties they would face in the islands’ administration. A Nationalist group under rebel leader Emilio Aguinaldo had already set up a Filipino government in Manila, capital of the Philippines. Many Filipinos viewed the Americans as liberators, and were shocked and dismayed to learn that the Americans did not intend to recognize their new government. No sooner had the Americans exerted their sovereignty over the islands than they faced a dogged guerrilla war.
On December 21, 1898, President William McKinley set the course for American policy in the Philippines. It was largely an attempt to set American Imperialism apart from the abusive European Imperialism which had led to the Spanish-American War. He announced the military occupation of the islands but also outlined a plan for the benevolent assimilation of the natives. As he proclaimed, “we come, not as invaders or conquerors, but as friends,” therefore, “it should be the…paramount aim of the military administration to win the confidence, respect, and affection of the inhabitants of the Philippines.” In practical terms, this meant building roads, schools, hospitals, introducing improved farming techniques, and preparing the Filipinos for the day when they are able to govern themselves. Using this policy of benevolent assimilation, the Americans were able to win over the support of the civilian population in the northern island of Luzon – the home base of the old Spanish Colonial Philippines and location of Manila, the capital. Without the support of his countrymen, Emilio Aguinaldo surrendered on July 4, 1902.
With the main island of Luzon pacified, the army began expanding its control into the provinces. The Moro Province was composed