Why did the U.S. become involved in the Philippine-American War?

The U.S. became involved in the Philippine-American War primarily to suppress Filipino nationalist movements seeking independence. After the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Philippines was ceded to the United States by Spain under the Treaty of Paris. Many Filipinos, who had been fighting for independence from Spanish colonial rule, expected that the United States would recognize their sovereignty and facilitate their self-governance. Instead, the U.S. aimed to exert control over the islands, believing that it was vital to establish authority to maintain order and stability.

This conflict arose as revolutionary leaders, such as Emilio Aguinaldo, sought to assert their independence, directly opposing U.S. colonial rule. The U.S. military engagement was justified by a narrative that framed the conflict as a necessity to quell unrest and promote a stable government, but the underlying motive was ultimately about maintaining control over the Philippines and curbing any anti-colonial sentiment that could threaten American imperial interests in the region. Thus, the U.S. involvement is accurately characterized by its intention to suppress the burgeoning nationalist movements, making this the correct choice.