So when they finally departed, they left huge toxic waste piles and a thriving sex industry (and the diseases that go with it). They presumably introduced iced tea as well.
Did they do ANYTHING useful? Serious question - my Filipino friends don't tend to talk about the American occupation much.
2006-11-19 05:22:55 · 11 answers · asked by Geoff M 5 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Philippines
Thanks to those that supplied sensible answers.
2006-11-21 20:32:57 · update #1
Its basically a love and hate relationship.
Sorry but the Americans never did liberate the Philippines intentionally. In fact when the Americans arrived in the Philippines in 1899 it occupied the islands and destroyed the first Independent Filipino Government under Emilio Aguinaldo. It took the Americans until 1913 to pacify the entire islands. Until to this day, Filipino Muslims in the south have bad memories of Americans who massacred Muslim women and children.
Please read Philippine-American War (Philippine Insurgency) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine-american_war
When the American gave the Philippines its "independence" in 1946, it forced the new Philippine government to sign a treaty that would set up American bases in the Philippines for 99 years. Since then the Philippines became dependent on these bases and America made sure it did. What made it worst was America supported the Philippine Dictator Ferdinand Marcos when he proclaimed Martial Law in 1972 and to a point even praised him for his "democratic" ideals in the Philippines. This speech was delivered by no other than Vice President George Bush Sr. (Reagan Administration) who visited the Philippines in the 1980's. (sorry but there is a film footage of Vice President Bush saying these things in the Philippine Presidential Palace) Off course the Americans turned a blind eye on the Marcos dictatorship. He was Americas guy against the communists in South East Asia. Similar to that of Sadam Hussein who was supported by the Americans during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1970's (Iran at that time held hostage several American embassy personnel). After the 1986 People Power revolution that removed Marcos from power, Philippine-American relationship deteriorated. Finally in 1991, the Philippine Senate revoked the US Base treaty and ended decades of American presence in the Philippines.
2006-11-19 20:15:12 · answer #1 · answered by CDOguide 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well what other "occupying" country gave them their independence? Why did you refer our time there as the American Occupation. We were there to defend them from Japan and we left when the Philippine government there asked us to. Sure we left a sex trade there but so did the Japanese and every other group that was there. Difference was we didn't force the girls or kidnap them and take them to another country like the Japanese did. Yes we gave them American culture but no one forced them to smoke. We did not tell their government to be corrupt. We're not perfect but i think hate groups enjoy blaming the USA for all the problems the Philippines have, kind of like adult kids who blame their parents for all their problems, instead of taking responsibility.
2006-11-19 16:35:58 · answer #2 · answered by Jim V 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Look, I am NOT selling imperialism. But, how come every country that we occupied, invaded, extorted is doing well and the Philippines is just a crap hole? If they would change their ruling style from bribes and fisticuffs they may have a chance but I doubt it.
2006-11-19 18:02:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
did they do anything useful. i dunno, how useful is military occupation really? the poor P.I has been raped and mistreated by the Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, and Americans.
they left Marlboro cigarettes and a dilusional American culture. half-white street kids from the whoring military days. an International School which is now in dire straits and could use more US dollars.
can't come up with much else. and really, this answer didn't intend to be pessimistic. cya!
2006-11-19 13:27:09 · answer #4 · answered by B.B Top 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
These kinds of self rightious posts are really annoying. America liberated the Philippines.
As for Angeles city the notorious sex capital of the world. Its rocks
2006-11-19 21:14:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
yes, they left something , the english, today filipinos are lucky they are well verse in english,than in any otherasian countries, thats all, other than that nothing good.
2006-11-19 17:21:51 · answer #6 · answered by lepactodeloupes 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If only they had destroyed the disgusting dog meat trade . That would have been very useful.
2006-11-19 13:31:24 · answer #7 · answered by Cream tea 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe when the Chinese rule the world they will help them more
I sure hope they let whitey have casinos
2006-11-19 15:47:59 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
what they left behind:
English
English
Coke (not the drug!)
Jeans
English
English
I'm sorry... I really have no idea.
2006-11-19 22:33:34 · answer #9 · answered by Tricia H 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes
2006-11-19 13:30:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋