What did the Jones Act pledge regarding the future of the Philippines?

The Jones Act, officially known as the Philippine Autonomy Act of 1916, pledged ultimate independence for the Philippines after World War II. This marked a significant shift in U.S. policy regarding its colonial possession, reflecting a commitment to transferring sovereignty to the Filipinos once certain conditions were met. The act indicated a recognition of the growing push for independence and aimed to outline a timeline and process for eventual self-governance.

While the act promised autonomy and established a Filipino legislature, it also emphasized that independence would not be immediate but would come after the war and the establishment of a stable self-governing institution. This context of post-war independence highlighted the U.S. commitment to decolonization influenced by the broader global atmosphere of self-determination that emerged after World War I and continued into World War II.