What sparked the Philippine-American War?

The Philippine-American War was primarily sparked by the desire of Filipino leader Emilio Aguinaldo and other revolutionaries for independence following the Spanish-American War. After the defeat of Spain in 1898, Aguinaldo, who had returned from exile, declared the Philippines independent. The tension arose because the United States, having acquired the Philippines through the Treaty of Paris, intended to establish control and did not recognize Aguinaldo’s government. His fervent calls for independence motivated many Filipinos, ultimately leading to clashes with American forces.

While the annexation of the Philippines by the U.S. did contribute to the conflict, it was Aguinaldo's strong advocacy for Filipino sovereignty and the rejection of American imperialism that truly fueled the war. This drive for independence directly correlated with the outbreak of hostilities, as the Filipino forces resisted what they saw as a continuation of colonial rule, this time under American governance.