How did the U.S. justify its involvement in the Philippines after the Spanish-American War?

The justification for U.S. involvement in the Philippines after the Spanish-American War primarily rested on the belief that it was necessary to civilize the islands. This idea was rooted in the broader context of imperialism during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which often included a paternalistic view that more developed nations had a duty to oversee the governance and development of less developed territories. U.S. leaders argued that bringing American values, education, and governance to the Philippines would help uplift the population and guide them towards modernization and progress.

This rationale was often framed in terms of a moral obligation, where American intervention was seen as an effort to promote a supposed "civilizing mission." This view was reflected in the rhetoric of the time, which suggested that the U.S. had not only the right but also the responsibility to lead the Philippines towards self-governance and democracy, even if, at that moment, it meant asserting control over the islands.

While other options offer some context, they do not encapsulate the main justification that was most influenced by the prevailing attitudes of the time. The promotion of democracy was often presented alongside the notion of civilizing the islands, but the emphasis on civilization aligned closely with the imperialistic goals and justifications