American Era

• In 1898, the Spanish blew up the US battleship Maine in Cuba resulting in the formal declaration of war.
• The battle of Manila Bay was staged with Commander George Dewey and Admiral Patricio Montojo to maintain the dignity of Spain.
• Gen. Artemio Ricarte accepted the surrender of Spanish forces in Cavite.
• Philippine Independence was declared on June 12, 1898, when Aguinaldo raised the Philippine flag in Kawit Cavite.
• The First Philippine flag was hand-sewn by Marcela Agoncillo in Hong Kong.
• To end the Spanish-American War, the Treaty of Paris was signed on December 10, 1898, stating that Spain would surrender the Philippines to the US for 20 million dollars.
• Julian Felipe composed the Philippine National Anthem which was formerly called 'Marcha Nacional Filipina.' Jose Palma composed a poem that was later on selected to be the lyrics of the anthem.
• On Dec. 21, 1898, President William McKinley issued the 'Benevolent Assimilation' Proclamation.
• On January 23, 1899, the first Philippine Republic was established in Malolos, Bulacan. Emilio Aguinaldo was made the first president.
• The battle of Manila started when a US soldier shot a Philippine soldier crossing San Juan Bridge.
• After the capture of Malolos, Aguinaldo moved the republic to San Fernando, Pampanga.
• On June 5, 1899, Gen. Luna was assassinated by Aguinaldo's guard.
• Gen. Gregorio Del Pilar held off the Americans in the battle of Tirad Pass, allowing Aguinaldo to escape.
• Aguinaldo was eventually captured in 1901 and swore allegiance to the US.
• An attack by Gen. Vincente Lukban on an American Garrison marked the Balangiga Massacre.
• The first Philippine Assembly took place at the Manila Grand Opera House with Sergio Osmenia as speaker and Manuel L. Quezon as Majority Floor Leader.
• The Underwood-Simons Tariff was signed to establish open trade between US and the Philippines.
• The Jones Law was established, granting legislative power to the Philippines.
• US teachers who arrived in the Philippines are called 'Thomasites' as they traveled by the USS Thomas.
• Manuel L. Quezon recognized the Philippines Herald as the official newspaper of the Philippine government.
• Crisanto Evangelista founded the Communist Party of the Philippines.
• Gov. Frank Murphy granted Filipino Women Rights.
• Pres. Roosevelt approved the constitution which was presided over by Claro M. Recto, adapting the US constitution.
• Sakdalista was founded by Benigno Ramos to launch an uprising in Luzon.
• The Philippine Commonwealth was established with Manuel L. Quezon as President and Sergio Osmenia as Vice President.