Independence Short-Lived

Premature Celebration

On the 12th of June, 1898, the Republic of the Philippines was born: ". . .The 12th day of this month is fixed for the declaration of the independence of this our beloved country. . ." . Rule under native Filipinos was short-lived, if not non-existent, for American presence was too great. The atmosphere grew tense. Hostilities soon ensued, with the attack on Manila on February 5, 1899.

Despite a valiant effort, losses suffered by the Filipinos were too great and they had no choice but to surrender. Aguinaldo tried to motivate the others to continue fighting until the end: "Be not discouraged. Our independence was watered freely by the blood of martyrs, and more will be shed in the future to strengthen it. Remember, that efforts are not to be wasted that ends maybe gained. It is indispensable to adjust our actions to the rules of law and right, and to learn to triumph over our enemies."

American firing lines such as this, poised before the general advance, proved more than a match for the Filipinos.

The number of Filipinos captured by the American army numbered into the thousands--but they were more fortunate than the equal amounts who perished.